The U.S. celebrates a great play during the match against Australia
Dallas, USA, July 2, 2016 – The U.S. played like a team going to the FIVB World League Final Round as it beat Australia 25-14, 26-24, 25-15 on Saturday at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Arena.
The victory improves the United States to 7-1 in FIVB World League pool play and moves it into second place behind Brazil. The U.S. will play Russia (5-3) on Sunday.
Australia falls to 0-8 and will look for its first victory against Bulgaria (0-8) on Sunday.
The United States led in blocking (11-1), aces (10-4) and spikes (38-30).
U.S. middle blocker Max Holt, playing in his first match since being injured during the first round of pool play in Rio de Janeiro, finished with 14 points, including a match-high four blocks and a match-high three aces. Opposite Murphy Troy scored 14 points, including a match-high 13 kills.
Paul Carroll led Australia with 12 points on 11 kills and one ace.
Australia led 8-6 at the first technical timeout of the first set, but the U.S. went on a 6-1 run, including two spikes from Aaron Russell, to lead 12-8 and put the set out of reach for Australia.
The second set stayed close. The U.S. reached set point first at 24-23, but Carroll fought It off with an attack. Russell and Holt came back with two blocks in a row to give the U.S. the 26-24 victory.
The third set was tied 7-7 when Team USA scored five straight points to take a commanding lead. The third set included an impressive play by Australia’s Lincoln Williams, who hopped the barrier to make a pass, then got back into the match with a successful attack.