U.S. Volleyball Team Seeking Fourth Straight USA Cup Title

Three of the world’s best men’s volleyball teams will compete in the four-day Gatorade USA Cup starting tonight at the Forum.

The United States, Soviet Union and France join the Canadian national team in the round-robin tournament that begins at 6:30 p.m.

The United States has won the USA Cup since the event began in 1984. The United States beat Cuba, Italy and the Soviet Union last year.

The U.S. team, ranked No. 1 in the world, is the current triple crown holder, having won the 1984 Olympics, the 1985 World Cup and the 1986 World Championship. The United States also won the gold medal in last summer’s Pan American Games.

Among the leaders on the U.S. team are Karch Kiraly, voted the best player in the world by the international volleyball federation, towering (6 feet 8 inches) middle blocker Craig Buck, and Steve Timmons, who was the MVP of the 1984 Olympics.

The Soviets, ranked No. 2, are led by middle blocker Alexsander Savin and power hitter Yaroslav Antonov. The Soviets have won three Olympic gold medals and four World Cup titles.

France is ranked No. 6 in the world, thanks to dramatic improvement in the last two years. The team is led by Alain Fabiani and Eric Bouvier.

Canada is a last-minute entry, being offered a spot in the tournament after Argentina withdrew. This is Canada’s first year in the USA Cup.

No reason was given for the withdrawal of Argentina, the world’s No. 3 ranked team.

In tonight’s matches, France plays Canada and the United States meets the Soviet Union. There will also be two matches per night Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.