Christenson, Averill help U.S. stay unbeaten

The U.S. men’s national volleyball team, with three starters with Hawaii ties in the lineup, remained undefeated in FIVB Volleyball Nations League play on Saturday with a sweep of Korea in Goiania, Brazil.

Micah Christenson (Kamehameha) set the Americans to a 25-23, 25-21, 25-11 victory. Also starting were middle Taylor Averill (University of Hawaii) and libero Erik Shoji (Punahou).

The U.S. (5-0) concludes the second round of pool play against Brazil (4-1) today.

Christensen, who gave way to Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) in Friday’s five-set win over Japan, had the U.S. hitting .717. Averill added five kills and a block.

“I thought Korea had a great strategy,” Averill said. “They dug the ball really well and put a lot of pressure on us.”