US holds off Russia to reach Men's Volleyball final

(BEIJING, August 22) -- The United States survived a Russian comeback by winning a close tie-break, advancing to the Men's Volleyball final on the strength of a gritty 25-22, 25-21, 25-27, 22-25, 15-13 semifinal victory. The United States will play the winner of the Italy-Brazil semifinal in the gold medal match on Sunday, August 24.

The match turned into an intense battle between Alexander Kosarev and Maxim Mikhaylov of Russia and William Priddy and Clayton Stanley of the United States.

Stanley executed 118km/h serves and saw Russia struggle to set up their quick offense in the opening set while Priddy's left side spikes gave the US team a good start.

Priddy and Stanley continued to lead the US offense, controlling the flow of the game. Kosarev and Mikhaylov responded with some impressive attacks but Yury Berezhko of Russia spiked into the net offering the United States a decisive lead.

Russia adjusted their blocking in the third set to counter the US attacks on the net. Sergey Tetyukhim's quick middle attack sparked a Russian comeback and Mikhaylov was unstoppable attacking from all corners of the court. A single-block from Alexander Volkov ended the crucial set in Russia's favor.

Mikhaylov sustained his quick attacking rhythm and Russia capitalized on four service errors by the United States to force the match into a fifth set.

The last set of the match saw an exchange of strong spikes from both sides before David Lee finally gave set point to the United States. A double block from Lee and Riley Salmon won the set and the match.

A US Men's team last played in a gold medal Volleyball match 20 years ago in Seoul 1988. They won a bronze medal in Barcelona 1992. The US Women's team will be playing in the gold medal match against Brazil on Saturday.