Kaliningrad, Russia, June 26, 2015 - Olympic champions Russia lost to reigning FIVB Volleyball World League champions USA in straight sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25,19) in the first of the two Pool A encounters between both teams in Kaliningrad this weekend.
Going into the match, the United States had won five of their last six World League matches against Russia, including this year's two home matches, 3-1 and 3-0. Coach John Speraw's men dropped two matches away to Iran last weekend, however, and were keen to bounce back in Russia this weekend. Russia, meanwhile, were bottom of Pool B, having lost all eight of their matches in the competition this year.
The two teams started the first set on equal terms, taking the score to 11-13. USA then broke forward, however, building on Matthew Anderson's powerful hits to lead 15-20. USA held on to their advantage to claim the first set with a four-point margin.
The second set began in similar fashion, with both teams level at 9-all and 16-all. Aaron Russell's hit at 17-21, however, was a sign of things to come. USA continued to pile on the pressure and eventually claimed the set 25-20. Despite some spirited play by the Russians in the third set, Taylor Sander and teammates had enough to hold on to the lead all the way and claim the third set, Anderson ending the match with 17 points to his name.
Read the match text commentary
here.