The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, hitting .314 behind Honolulu’s Micah Christenson at setter, advanced to the World League semifinals with Friday’s 25-21, 25-22, 24-26, 25-20 victory over France in Rio de Janeiro.
The U.S., the defending World League champion, ended up as the top team in its pool via a tiebreaker. The Americans, France and host Brazil all finished 1-1 in the pool and 4-4 in sets won-lost, with the U.S. and France advancing on point differential.
Christenson (Kamehameha) had 39 assists, three kills, two blocks and five digs for the Americans, who face Serbia in a semifinal Saturday (3 a.m. Hawaii time). Libero Erik Shoji (Punahou) had a team-high nine digs. Reserve setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) did not play.
Had the U.S. been able to sweep France, Brazil would have advanced to Saturday’s other semifinal against Poland. Saturday’s winners meet Sunday for the championship.
U.S. loses Pan Am Games volleyball opener
Former University of Hawaii All-America middle blocker Taylor Averill had nine kills as the U.S. lost to Puerto Rico 25-23. 24-26, 25-20, 28-26 in a Pan American Games volleyball match Friday in Toronto.
Averill also had a block for the Americans (0-1), who will continue pool play Sunday against Mexico (0-1) and then face Canada on Tuesday. The U.S. team manager is former Hawaii All-American Tom Pestolesi.
American women unbeaten in Grand Prix
Hawaii’s Tamari Miyashiro made her second start at libero and the U.S. women’ national volleyball team remained undefeated in the FIVB World Grand Prix with a 25-21, 25-18, 22-25, 25-16 win over Thailand on Friday in Hong Kong.
Miyashiro had a match-high 12 digs for the top-ranked Americans (8-0), who were to face No. 3 China (8-0) on Saturday (1:30 a.m. Hawaii time) in the final preliminary round match for both teams. The U.S., China and No. 2 Brazil have already qualified for the six-team Final Round in Omaha, Neb., the first time the U.S. has hosted the finals in the 23-year history of the event.
Moku Manu registration open
Registration for the Aug. 30 Moku Manu Hoe Wa’a, an OC-6 race from Waimanalo to Kualoa Beach, is open.
The Kanaka Ikaika Racing Association event involves 9-person crews that must have a minimum of four juniors (18 and under) and open-water changes. Four juniors must start and finish the race.
Division are men’s and women’s open, masters 40-over and 55-over; and open mixed. Entry fee is $300 by Aug. 26 or $375 on race day.
Sponsored by Pacific Honda, the $5,000 purse includes $3,000 for the winning crew. Check-in begins at 7 a.m. at Waimanalo Beach Park with the race starting at 10 a.m.
Forms are available at kanakaikaika.com.
