UCLA’s Hatch propels U.S. to win in World Championship finale

UCLA outside attacker JT Hatch continued to be one of the most consistent offensive options for the United States during the FIVB U-21 World Championship all the way through the final match.

Hatch had a match-high 12 kills as the United States survived a comeback attempt to beat Iran 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 12-25, 15-10 and finish the international tournament in 11th place on Sunday in Mexico. Continue reading “UCLA’s Hatch propels U.S. to win in World Championship finale”

U.S. beats Japan to claim pool title at World Championship

The United States rallied and now has a pool championship while remaining in contention for a top-10 finish at the FIVB U-21 World Championship.

USC middle attacker Andy Benesh finished with both a match-high 12 kills and five blocks as the United States beat Japan 25-23, 17-25, 25-20, 25-23 on Thursday in Mexico to go undefeated in Pool G. Continue reading “U.S. beats Japan to claim pool title at World Championship”

UH’s Fey powers U.S. past Mexico in World Championship sweep

A tournament-best performance from Hawai’i outside attacker Kupono Fey has put the United States in sole possession of first place in its pool.

Fey had a match-high 12 kills as the United States swept Mexico 25-23, 25-17, 25-17 on Wednesday in Mexico to move atop Pool G in the consolation bracket of the FIVB U-21 World Championship. Continue reading “UH’s Fey powers U.S. past Mexico in World Championship sweep”

USC’s Benesh leads U.S. to fifth-game OT win vs. Iran

USC middle attacker Andy Benesh showed why the U.S. coaching staff had such high praise for its middle attackers entering the FIVB U-21 World Championship.

Benesh finished with a match-high 17 kills and added three blocks as the United States defeated Iran 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14 on Tuesday in Mexico for its first victory at the international tournament. Continue reading “USC’s Benesh leads U.S. to fifth-game OT win vs. Iran”