U.S. loses first World League match

The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, with three players from Hawaii seeing court time, suffered its first defeat in World League play Saturday when falling short against Bulgaria in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Bulgaria (1-7) needed two hours and four minutes to hold off the U.S. 26-24, 25-17, 14-25, 13-25, 15-12 at the Sears Center Arena.

Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani, Stanford) started the match at setter and finished with two kills and a block. He was replaced in Set 3 by Micah Christenson (Kamehameha, USC), one of three changes by coach John Speraw. He also took out captain Sean Rooney, moved Matt Anderson to outside hitter and brought in Carson Clark at opposite. Christenson finished with a block and an ace.

Erik Shoji (Punahou, Stanford) played the entire match at libero. No dig or assist statistics were available.

The U.S. was led for a second night by Taylor Sander, who finished with 17 points on 12 kills, a block and four aces.

The Americans finish Group B play on the road with two matches each in Russia and Serbia. The U.S. needs one more victory to clinch a spot in the final round, July 16-20, in Florence, Italy.

Hawaii boxer Yoon wins national gold

Logan Yoon of Kawano Boxing Club won a gold medal Saturday at the Adidas National Boxing Championships in Oxnard, Calif.

Yoon defeated Alejandro Campa of Knockout in the 125-pound class of the 15-16 open division.

Wade and Kemper to speak at QB Club

The Honolulu Quarterback Club announced Saturday that Hawaii men’s volleyball coach Charlie Wade and race car driver Ed Kemper will speak at its weekly luncheon at Maple Garden restaurant Monday.

Wade will review the past season, in which the Warriors finished 15-12 overall but failed to qualify for the postseason. He will also discuss new recruits, such as Kekoa Pukahi, who was named a high school All-American.

Kemper is the assistant regional executive for the Hawaii Region of the Sports Car Club of America. He is also the host and co-producer of Island Driver TV on OC 16 and will discuss the multiple types of auto racing.

Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and the cost $15 per person.