U.S. Wins, Beats Japan in 3 Again

Steve Timmons, owner of a Vista-based beachwear company, noticed the uniform change that the Japanese national volleyball team made for their second World League match.

Instead of the green, black and white uniforms they wore in San Diego, the Japanese went back to their traditional red and black on Sunday.

But again it was the United States that was dressed to kill.

Timmons, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, had 19 kills to lead the United States to their second sweep, a 15-7, 15-7, 15-12 victory in a World League match before 3,113 at UC Irvine’s Bren Center.

Timmon’s assessment of Japan’s Sunday night duds?

“A different color,” said Timmons, a former Newport Harbor High standout, “but just as ugly.

“I think Japan played with a little more fire tonight. And we obviously need to work on some things, (such as) our team defense. We communicated tonight, instead of getting frustrated when Japan hit over our block.”

Which wasn’t very often.

The United States dominated at the net, led by Bryan Ivie’s 13 kills and eight blocks. Ivie was named the team’s most valuable player for the match.

Scott Fortune had 18 kills and Bob Ctvrtlik added 14.

This was only the second match for the U.S. team since the return of Olympians Timmons, setter Jeff Stork, middle blocker Doug Partie and outside hitter Ctvrtlik, who have been playing professionally in Italy the past two years.

Their return has sparked the United States, 6-10 in the league last season, to a 2-0 start this season. Japan is 0-2.

“The problem we have had the past couple of years,” Ivie said, “is that we’ve had a lot of talent and not much experience. I think the young talent and the experience we have now is a good mix.”

Volleyball notes

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Craig Buck, who retired from the team Tuesday, is reconsidering at the request of Coach Fred Sturm. The two will meet today regarding his future. “Craig is one of the best players this country has produced,” Sturm said. “It’s his decision, and I respect what he thinks is the right thing to do.”

Middle blocker Bob Samuelson sat out the match because of a thigh injury.