July 9, 2012

Complete release from USA Volleyball

SOFIA, Bulgaria - The U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team claimed the 2012 FIVB World League silver medal after falling to Poland in the championship match on Sunday. Set scores were 25-17, 26-24, 25-20.

The U.S. Men completed the World League Final Round with a record of 2-2 and had an overall World League record of 11-5.

The Americans won Pool C to advance to the Final Round in Sofia, Bulgaria. While in Bulgaria, the U.S. went 1-1 in Pool E to advance to the semifinals where they defeated Cuba, 25-23, 25-22, 25-23.

"A lot of really good things have come out in the last few weeks," U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe said. "These were important matches for us. We wanted to reach the final and experience these matches and build toward the Olympic Games."

It is the best World League finish for the U.S. Men since they won the title in 2008.

Up next for the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team will be the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The squad will leave its training headquarters in Anaheim, Calif., on July 19 and begins competition on July 29.

Three former 49ers, David Lee, Paul Lotman and David McKienzie, will be making the trip to London as members of the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team.