USA Opens Pan American Games with Victory

 

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 23, 2007.- USA swept Venezuela 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 in Pool B of the men's volleyball segment of the Pan American Games held at Maracanãzinho Gymnasium.

 

"This match was a good, collective effort as we got some young guys out there who contributed well," Larsen said. "I am excited how we played. Now we have Argentina and Puerto Rico, and we will see how the young players focus."

 

Sean Rooney topped four U.S. scorers in double figures with 14 points, Brook Billings totalled 12 points, David Lee contributed 11 points and Delano Thomas produced 10 tallies.

 

"We came into this match knowing Venezuela was a great team," Larsen said. "They beat us 3-1 last year at the World Championship. We were able to serve the ball hard and in, which caused them some problems on serve-receive. On our side, we passed the ball well."

 

Harry Gomez paced Venezuela with 14 points, while Luis Diaz contributed 11 points in the loss..