U.S. Volleyball Needs Role Models, Victories

The afterglow of the hugely successful U.S. men’s volleyball team in the 1980s has left the heir apparent groping in a dim light.

After some of the top names, including Karch Kiraly, Steve Timmons and Jeff Stork, defected to the professional beach tour and the Italian league, the United States was left with a team low on experience and almost void of leadership.

“We need some role models,” said U.S. Coach Bill Neville after watching Italy hand the United States its fourth consecutive loss in the FIVB World (Volleyball) League, Sunday night at the San Diego Sports Arena.

Italy, playing with only two starters--the other four are competing in the Italian national championship in Europe--defeated the Americans, 10-15, 15-8, 15-6, 15-10, in front of 1,851.

“It’s a tough act to follow,” said Scott Fortune, one of three returning players from the U.S. gold-medal winning team of 1988. “For seven or eight years, we were the greatest volleyball team in the United States.”

The U.S. managed to take the first game of the match, but following its own lead in two matches against France last week, the young Americans fell out of sync and crumbled in straight games.

“It shows we have a long way to go,” said Fortune. “We can play well in spurts,” he said. “We come out and win the first game, but then we go out 3-0 in the next.”

The U.S. was having the most difficulty defending against Italy’s tough block at the net, and against the attack of 6-foot-8 middle blocker Andrea Gardini, one of Italy’s two starters.

“He’s the best in the world in that position,” Neville said. “He got those guys around him settled down and he made all the right blocking decisions.”

Said Fortune: “They have that great blocking. That’s their trademark.”

Gardini finished with 21 kills. Teammate Michel Pasinato led with 25. For the U.S., Troy Tanner had 18 kills.

After leading 11-6 in the fourth game, the U.S. made a short run to pull to 13-10, but the Italians finished the match off.

“We weren’t controlling the ball when we needed to,” Neville said. “They’re crushed, but they’ll come back. Tomorrow’s another opportunity.”