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Former Lewis outside attacker Greg Petty stepped up for the United States to keep its medal hopes alive for another day.
Petty finished with a team-high 17 kills as the United States rallied to beat Australia 19-25, 27-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-8 on Friday in South Korea for its first victory in group play at the World University Games.
Along with Petty, two U.S. players had double-digit kills against Australia (0-2). UC Irvine outside attacker Kyle Russell had 13 kills, while Stanford middle attacker Kevin Rakestraw added 10 kills on one attack error.
Lewis middle attacker Bobby Walsh in the victory had a match-high four blocks. The 2015 Off the Block/Springbak, Inc. National Blocker of the Year also had nine kills for the United States (1-1).
Australia in the loss had two players finish with double-digit kills, including UC Irvine outside attacker Thomas Hodges who had 10 kills.
With this victory, the United States moves into a tie for fourth place in Pool A. In addition, the team is one point out of second place with three remaining group play matches.
The top two teams in group play will advance to the World University Games quarterfinals.
The United States will continue group play with a match against first-place Chinese Taipei on Saturday.