Taylor Sander was one of five players to serve at least one ace in the match
Hiroshima, Japan, September 8, 2015 – USA put on a serving masterclass, with five players registering at least one ace each as the world No.5 took a straight sets (25-23, 25-12, 25-15) win over Australia in their opening match of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Cup Japan 2015 in Hiroshima on Tuesday.
Aaron Russell scored three points on the serve with Taylor Sander, David Lee and Matt Anderson, who was also top scorer with 17 points, adding two of their own. Most impressive player winner Micah Christenson added one to take the ace-total to 10.
Neither side managed to gain a big advantage in the opening set, with the score changing hands several times. The United States looked to move to within touching distance of set point, but back-to-back points from Australia saw them move ahead 23-22. But a serve error saw US draw even again before a Max Holt spike and one of Anderson’s aces wrapping up the set 25-23.
USA found another level in the second set however, surging ahead to carve out a 10-point lead at 17-7, with the serve proving a particular problem for Australia. Thomas Edgar tried in vain to keep his side in the game but a Lee block saw USA go two-up.
Australia looked to have fixed their serve defence in the third, but USA once again found holes as they took a seven point lead at 16-9. Some incredible defence from Australia towards the close of the set was not enough as a triple US block ended proceedings.
