Big night from UC Irvine’s Russell not enough in U.S. loss

The United States moved to brink of the elimination from medal contention at the World University Games despite a tournament-best performance from UC Irvine outside attacker Kyle Russell.

Russell finished with a team-high 14 kills as the United States lost to Chinese Taipei 25-18, 25-13, 25-22 in group play on Saturday in South Korea.

With this loss, the United States (1-2, 2 points) dropped into a tie for fourth place in Pool A. In addition, the United States with two remaining group play matches is four points out of second place and the final berth to the quarterfinals.

Russell was one of two U.S. players with more than five kills against first-place Chinese Taipei (3-0, 9 points). Former Lewis outside attacker Greg Petty added seven kills.

Outside attacker Tsung-hsuan Wu in the victory had a match-high 17 kills and two blocks.

Chinese Taipei also out-blocked the United States 6 to 2.

The United States will continue group play with a match against second-place Argentina on Sunday. If the United States loses this match it will be officially eliminated from medal contention.