U.S. title run ends with quarterfinals loss vs. Russia

The historic undefeated run for the United States at the FIVB Youth World Championship is over — and so is its chance of winning a medal.

The United States making the nation’s first appearance in the quarterfinals at the international tournament lost to Russia 25-22, 25-20, 25-23 on Friday in Argentina.

Long Beach State recruit Kyle Ensing in the loss had a team-high eight kills. It was also the third consecutive match that the opposite led the United States (5-1) in kills.

This was also the first match of the tournament that no U.S. player had double-digit kills.

Russia outside attacker Dmitry Yakovlev finished with a match-high 17 kills to help his team advance to the semifinals.

Despite the loss, the United States had eight aces. Stanford recruit Jordan Ewert led the team with three aces, while Ensing and Long Beach State TJ DeFalco each added two aces.

Middle attacker Scott Stadick also had a match-high seven blocks against Russia (5-1).

With this loss, the United States will move into the consolation bracket and play either Brazil or Argentina on Saturday. If the United States can win its two upcoming consolation matches it will clinch the country’s first top-five finish at the Youth World Championship.