SAN JOSE, Calif. — Middle blocker David Lee enjoys a good challenge. He responded with a big blocking night.

Lee, the United States men’s senior volleyball team captain, recorded seven blocks and had nine points overall as the Americans beat China 3-0 to sweep their two-match series in the $15 million FIVB World League on Saturday night.
“The Chinese challenged our blocks and took big swings,” Lee said. “Other teams might try a tactical hit. We’re getting better as far as getting our hands up where they need to be.”
Lee’s total blocks matched China’s team total.
“The difference for us was a big dose of David Lee,” U.S. first-year coach Alan Knipe said. “He lead us to this win.”
Lee played for Knipe at Long Beach State.
“I think if teams challenge us like that the results will be like they were tonight,” Lee said. “We took two good wins this weekend and that put us at the top of our pool. That’s where we want to be. I think the credit goes to the blocking defense tonight.”
Sean Rooney had nine of his team-high 16 points in the final set as the Americans (5-1) won their fifth straight match in front of an overflow crowd announced at 5,000 at the San Jose State Events Center. Matt Anderson had 12 points on 10 kills and two blocks.
Chen Ping had 15 points, all on kills, to lead China (1-5).
“The U.S. is the best team in our pool,” Chinese coach Zhou Jianen said. “This gave our players a chance to train themselves with these two matches. We want to play the best to make us better.”
The U.S. travels to China for a rematch over the Fourth of July weekend.