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The United States blocked its way to group-play championship and a top seed for the Round of 16 at FIVB Youth World Championship.
Middle attacker George Huhmann had a match-high six blocks as the United States in a de-facto group-play championship swept Argentina 25-20, 26-24, 25-23 on Tuesday in Argentina.
The United States (4-0, 10 points) out-blocked Argentina 14 to 7. Huhmann was also one of three U.S. players with at least three blocks.
Both the United States and Argentina (3-1, 8 points) entered this group-play finale as the only undefeated teams in Pool A and already clinched berths to the Round of 16. With this victory, the United States earned pool championship and as a top seed will play Mexico (2-2, 6 points) in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Long Beach State outside attacker Kyle Ensing had a match-high 12 kills against Argentina.
This was the second consecutive match that Ensing led the United States in kills. The outside attacker also had a team-high 18 kills in the United States’ four-game victory against France on Monday.
Along with Ensing, Long Beach State recruit TJ DeFalco and Stanford recruit Jordan Ewert each added 10 kills in the group-play finale.
Outside attacker Jan Martinez Franchi in the loss had eight kills and was the only Argentinean player to have more than five kills.
The United States despite the victory committed 35 errors — 16 more errors than Argentina.
The United States is attempting to win its first medal in the history of the FIVB Youth World Championship. In addition, the team has never finished in the top six at the bi-annual international tournament.
If the United States beats Mexico, it will play its quarterfinals match against the winner of the Round of 16 match between Russia and Bulgaria.