Brazil recovers from slow start to beat USA

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 26, 2011 – World and Pan American champions Brazil recovered from a slow start to defeat United States 3-1 (18-25, 25-17, 25-14, 25-18) while reaching the semifinals of the Pan American Games men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday.

The Brazilians outblocked their opponent 12-5 and also held a 4-2 advantage in points from the service line. Luiz Fonteles and Gustavo Endres each finished with three blocks.

Wallace Martins topped Brazil with 19 points and Fonteles added 15. Endres and Wallace de Souza each contributed 9 tallies. United States’ Evan Patak and Nicholas Vogel each totaled 9 points.

Bruno Rezende (Captain of Brazil): “We lost our minds for moments with the judge’s calls but in the second set everyone played better and with our serves we could create some difficulties to their reception. Now we need to study the next opponent in the semifinals but we are in good shape.”

Evan Patak (Captain of USA): “It is a learning experience for most of our guys who were playing Brazilian team for the first time. Our middle guys made some good plays.”

Rubinho Leonaldo (Coach of Brazil): “We made many errors in our attacks and counterattacks before the argument with the referees. Our game improved after the second set and we were able to find the right balance.”

John Speraw (Coach of USA): “Brazil plays at a velocity not seen in the university level where most of these players are. Our middle blockers did a good job and I am pleased with the way Kyle Caldwell is developing as a setter.”