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Stanford incoming recruit Jordan Ewert helped make sure the U.S. Boys Youth National Team opened its biggest tournament of the year with a victory.
Ewert had a team-high 20 kills as the United States rallied to defeat Turkey 25-18, 18-25, 26-24, 22-25, 15-13 in its group-play opener at the FIVB Youth World Championship on Friday in Argentina.
The United States in its first of four pool-play matches overcame multiple late-game deficits to secure the victory.
The U.S. team fought off two game-points as part of a 4-0 run to win the third game in overtime. It also trailed late in the decisive fifth game before closing out the match on a 5-1 run.
Ewert was one of three U.S. players to have at least nine kills against Turkey. Pepperdine incoming recruit outside attacker Michael Wexter had 12 kills, while UCLA incoming recruit Ma’a added nine kills.
The United States out-blocked Turkey 13 to 9, including middle attacker Scott Stadick having a match-high six blocks. In addition, both Wexter and Ma’a had multiple blocks.
Turkey outside attackers Abdullah Cam and Adis Lagumdzija in the loss each had a team-high 19 kills.
The United States will continue the group-play stage with a match against Belgium on Saturday.