United States Enters Finals at Universiade Men's Volleyball

Favorites United States got a severe revenge by downing Russia 3-0 here Wednesday in the semi- finals of the men's volleyball at the World University Games.

United States, ousted by Russia 3-1 in the fifth place play-off at Palma games two years ago, toppled Russia 25-19, 28-26, 26-24.

The Americans were on fire in the first set, racing to a 25-19 win over the Russians. It was keenly contested in the second set which saw neither team can take more than a three-point lead.

The set saw scores tied from 13-all to 17-all before the Russians taking a 25-24 lead.

But they could not hammer the set point and the Americans' solid defense and powerful spiking again decided everything as they surged to a 28-26 victory.

The Russian team had a flying start in the third set by leading at 4-1, but they had to save two set and match points at 24-22. After levelling at 24-all, the United States scored one blocking point and one dropping point to seal the match.

United States is to meet France, who beat Denmark 3-0 in another semifinal, in the finals on Thursday.

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