Loyola’s Jendryk steps up for U.S. in loss to Poland

The group of death has put an end to the medal hopes of the United States.

The United States suffered its second consecutive pool-play loss to open the FIVB U-21 World Championship as it lost to Poland 25-22, 25-19, 25-14 on Saturday in Mexico.

Loyola Freshmen All-American middle attacker Jeff Jendryk was the only U.S. player to have more than five kills in the loss. Jendryk finished with a team-high six kills and zero attack errors.

Jendryk also led all players with five blocks, including three blocks in the opening game.

Along with Jendryk, Hawai’i outside attacker Kupono Fey had five kills. In addition, UCLA outside attacker J.T. Hatch, Penn State outside attacker Chris Nugent and Lewis opposite Mitch Perinar each had four kills.

Poland outside attacker Bartlomiej Lipinski in the victory had a match-high 12 kills and two aces. Outside attacker Aleksander Silwka also added 10 kills against the United States.

Despite being swept, the United States (0-2, 1 point) had its chances to extend the match beyond three games. The United States led by three points midway through the opening game before Poland (1-1, 3 points) rallied to tie the score and then closed out the game on a 6-3 run.

With this loss, the United States drops into last place in Pool B and is eliminated from medal contention at the international tournament.

The United States will conclude pool play with a match against first-place Russia (2-0, 6 points) on Sunday.