The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, with four players with Hawaii ties on the roster, opened the final round of FIVB World League Finals play with a five-set loss to France on Tuesday in Curtiba, Brazil.

Setter Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) had 37 assists, three blocks, a kill and an ace, and libero Erik Shoji (Punahou) finished with 10 digs in the 27-25, 20-25, 26-24, 17-25, 15-12 defeat at Arena da Baixada. Reserve setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) was used as a serving specialist in four sets, while former University of Hawaii middle blocker Taylor Averill did not play.

The U.S. faces defending champion Serbia today, a must-win for the Americans if they have any hope of reaching Friday’s semifinals.