USA celebrate their 3-0 win over Mexico that got them through the quarterfinals of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 15, 2016 – The United States ruled over their North American rivals Mexico 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 25-19) in Pool A, to get through to the quarterfinals of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s volleyball competition at Maracanazinho on Monday.
Murphy Troy had a great offensive stint, as he recorded 10 points from the three-metre line and added two stuff blocks. Taylor Sander also scored 12 points, including three blocks. Sergio Guerra of Mexico top scored for his team with seven markers – all from the attack line.
USA felt the pressure in the first set as they struggled on their offence and defence, while the Mexican players got more involved and capitalised on the shaky start of their rivals. They raced to gain a significant advantage but Mexico got as far to a one-point edge at 21-20, until another there was another occurrence of a series of lead changes and deadlocks. USA got the final break on two consecutive errors by their rivals to end the first set on top 25-23.
USA ensured that they got their defence intact and limited Mexico to a minimum. Mexico struggled as the USA block toughened up and limited their hitters to find very few open spots on the court. USA controlled the second set 25-11.