Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 16, 2016 – USA defeated Argentina 3-1 (26-24, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22) in the second match on day one of the 2016 edition of the FIVB Volleyball World League. The efficiency of USA’s block was a key feature in their victory, with Taylor Sander scoring 23 points.
After two successful World League seasons crowned with gold (2014) and bronze (2015), USA began their 2016 Group 1 campaign against Argentina. The two teams met in the tournament back in 2013, with each team winning once (both times 3-1). Argentina, who have never won a World League medal, will compete in Group 1 without Facundo Conte, who is out due to an injury. The Argentinians have several spikers in their ranks, however, with Bruno Lima taking charge today and scoring 19 points for his team. Taylor Sander took 23 points for the United States to become the best scorer in the match.
Argentina and USA entered the court with the same goal: to win their first match. Both teams were struggling to keep the lead with Cristian Poglajen from Argentina and Taylor Sander from USA scoring equally for their teams. The set was tight until the end, when USA’s block prevailed and its defence system allowed Taylor Sander to spike on a counter-attack to finish 26-24.
Team USA returned to the court with more focus in the second set with veteran Reid Priddy playing more effectively in attack. The South Americans did not fall too far behind, but faced side-out difficulties. Bruno Lima and Nicolás Bruno were Argentina’s beacon of hope, but the North Americans won the set 25-23.
The third set was a repeat of the first with the two sides switching positions to take the lead. The plot changed, however, as Argentina were more consistent in service and defence. A remarkable Bruno Lima helped his team claim the set 25-22.
After losing the third set, USA decreased the number of turnovers to a minimum. Reid Priddy and Taylor Sander stepped up to the challenge, but the Argentinians kept the match alive. After a long rally, Sander closed the set and the match, 25-22.