U.S. men win in Olympic volleyball qualifier

The U.S. men’s volleyball team rolled past Costa Rica, 25-14, 25-9, 25-9, on Tuesday at the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament at the Pyramid at Long Beach State.

That moved the U.S. to 2-0 in pool play, leaving it needing a win Wednesday over unbeaten Mexico to advance to Friday’s tournament semifinals.

Cuba, ranked fifth in the world, also won Tuesday, sweeping the Dominican Republic in three sets, while Canada upset Puerto Rico, 25-19, 25-20, 25-13. Cuba and Canada, each 2-0, will play for the Pool B title Wednesday night.

The U.S. dominated its match with Costa Rica, leading in kills (38-18), blocks (8-2) and aces (11-0).

U.S. opposite hitter David McKienzie (Littleton, Colo.) led all scorers with 10 points on a match-high eight kills and two aces. Opposite Clay Stanley (Honolului) added eight points on three attacks, a match-high three blocks and two aces.

Middle blocker Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley) totaled seven points on four kills and a match-high three aces. Middle blocker Ryan Millar (Alpine, Utah) added seven points on five attacks and two blocks.

The winner of the NORCECA tournament wins the region’s automatic berth in this summer’s London Olympics.

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