U.S. men’s volleyball team advances to final round

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The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, thanks to Finland’s victory over Bulgaria, will advance to the FIVB World League final round after a 24-26, 25-22, 25-13, 25-18 victory over Spain on Saturday night during match play in Bloomington, Ill.

Finland defeated second-place Bulgaria, 30-28, 18-25, 25-23, 27-29, 17-15, to drop Bulgaria’s record to 5-4. That put the U.S. (9-1) in a can’t-lose position. Even if it were to lose both pool play matches in Bulgaria next weekend, the U.S. still will have the better record in pool play.

The World League final round is July 23-27 in Rio de Janeiro.

Reid Priddy of Richmond, Va., led all scorers with 21 points on a match-high 15 kills, five blocks and one ace. Clay Stanley of Honolulu added 16 points on 11 kills

Among the Southlanders who stood out: Ryan Millar (Palmdale) totaled 11 points on seven kills, three aces and one block; David Lee (Alpine) scored eight points on eight kills, and Rich Lambourne (Tustin) was credited with four digs and four faults in 11 attempts. Lambourbe also was credited with seven “excellent” receptions in 13 attempts.

-- Debbie Goffa