Updated at 7:05 a.m., Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Volleyball: Ex-UH Warrior leads U.S. in loss to Spain
Associated Press
MATSUMOTO, Japan -- Israel Rodriguez scored 19 points today as Spain rallied from a set down to beat the United States at the volleyball Men's World Cup.
Guillermo Falasca added 18 points as Spain downed the U.S. 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 25-20 to improve to 1-2 in the first round.
"We are getting better," said Spain's coach Marcelo Mendez. "The blocks and serves are coming together."
Former University of Hawaii volleyball star and Kaiser High alum Clayton Stanley had a team-high 14 points for the United States, which dropped to 1-2.
"We started a little better but had trouble sustaining our level," said U.S. coach Hugh McCutheon. "We have to reevaluate the way we work together. We have got the day off tomorrow so hopefully we can get things back on track in the second stage."
At 3-0, Russia and Bulgaria are the only unbeaten teams after the first round.
Russia defeated Tunisia (1-2) 22-25, 25-15, 25-12, 25-16 while Bulgaria downed Puerto Rico (2-1) 19-25, 25-18, 27-25, 25-17.
Brazil coasted to a 25-18, 25-14, 25-17 win over winless Egypt to improve to 2-1. Argentina (2-1) overpowered South Korea (0-3) 26-24, 25-22, 25-20.
Australia (2-1) downed host Japan (1-2) 25-19, 25-21, 25-21.
The top three teams in the tournament will qualify for year's Beijing Olympics.
