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The United States could not get past the pool-play champions Russia and saw its hopes of winning the Youth World Championships come to a quick end.
Russia out-blocked the United States 10-5 as it swept the United States 25-18, 25-16, 25-19 in the Round of 16 at the FIVB Boys’ U-19 World Championship on Wednesday in Mexico.
Outside attacker Colby Harriman in the loss led the United States with 10 kills. In addition, middle attacker Matthew Walsh, Jr. had five kills and a match-high two aces against Russia.
Outside attacker Chris Nugent, a Penn State recruit, also finished with four kills before being pulled at the end of the second game.
Russia outside attacker Victor Poletaev had a match-high 12 kills, while outside attacker Dmitry Volkov added six kills and led all players with three blocks.
Russia in the victory also had six aces — four more than the United States.
The United States reached the Round of 16 after going 2-2 in the preliminary round to finish in fourth place in Pool D. With this loss, the United States will now move into the consolation bracket.
The 12-player U.S. roster for this international tournament included seven incoming freshman college recruits. The five other players on the roster are entering their high school senior year and have yet to officially commit to a college.