After a delay in start time, the US men’s volleyball team lined up against Argentina to fight for the final spot in the quarterfinals. It wasn’t meant to be, and the men’s volleyball team is officially going home empty handed.
Set One
Argentina was making more plays at the outset. It was ab 11-8 advantage for Argentina with three service aces. They picked up two more right in a row as the momentum was with them. The Americans battled back and made it a two point set. That warranted a timeout from Argentina after a 4-1 run to make it 16-14. Argentina looked sharp out of the timeout but the US kept fighting. Argentina took it 25-21.
Set Two
Both teams were making critical plays. The second set had the feel of a back and forth fight with punches being exchanged. The US took a timeout 14-11 after a 3-0 run by Argentina. The US brought back to within one before Argentina stole the momentum again. Team USA needed another timeout with Argentina leading 18-15. It didn’t help as the US continued to fall behind.
A successful challenge gave the US life again and Argentina felt like they needed a timeout. Max Holt contributed to the 4-0 run and Argentina called timeout again. The US had another successful challenge after a serve by Mitch Stahl that continued to give them some momentum. TJ Defalco got blocked out to finish the set giving Argentina the victory 25-23.
Set Three
The US flat out did not look good. They took a timeout when Argentina grew the lead 11-8. Increased effort by the US made Argentina call a timeout and reassess the situation. The Americans went on a 6-1 run and Argentina called another one. Errors by the United States kept Argentina in the fight. 14 service errors and a pending match point led to a USA timeout. Argentina took the set 25-23 as Team USA officially gets bounced in pool play for the first time since the 2000 Sydney games.
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