U.S. men’s volleyball team wins FIVB championship

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The U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team heads to Beijing with the squad’s first-ever FIVB World League title in hand. The squad beat Serbia in a 3-1 (26-24, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22) victory in Sunday’s gold medal match at Maracanazinho Gymnasium in Rio de Janeiro.

The U.S. team, ranked third in the world, finished World League play with a 12-4 record. Serbia, tied at No. 8 in the world with Puerto Rico, finished second at 10-6. Russia defeated host (and five-time defending World League champion) Brazil, 3-1 (25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-19) for the bronze.

The U.S. will see Serbia, Russia and Brazil at the Beijing Games. Volleyball action begins on Aug. 10.

U.S. setter Lloy Ball was named the tournament’s most valuable player and best setter. Rich Lambourne won the award for best libero for the second year in a row.

Reid Priddy led the team with 21 points on 18 kills and three blocks. Clay Stanley added 16 points on 12 kills, three blocks and one ace. Riley Salmon scored 13 points on 12 kills and one ace.

Ryan Millar scored 10 points on seven kills, two blocks and one ace. David Lee added nine points on seven kills and two blocks. Gabe Gardner scored four points on four kills, and Ball had three points on two kills and one ace.

Serbia’s Ivan Miljkovic led all scorers with 28 points on a match-high 22 kills, a match-high four blocks and a match-high two aces.