Argentina too much for U.S. in U19 Championship Round of 16

The gold medal run for the United States ended with a sweep.

The United States was eliminated for medal contention at the FIVB U19 World Championship as it lost to Argentina 25-20, 25-19, 25-14 in the Round of 16 on Tuesday in Tunisia.

Argentina in the victory out-blocked the United States 10 to 4. Middle attacker Agustin Gallardo led all players with four blocks and was one of three players on the Argentina roster with multiple blocks.

The United States also committed 26 errors — 11 more errors than Argentina.

Despite the loss, UCLA outside attacker Alex Knight finished with a match-high 13 kills on a 39.4 percent offensive efficiency. BYU middle attacker Gavin Julien added six kills on a 54.5 percent offensive efficiency and had an ace.

Knight and Julien were the only two U.S. players with more than five kills.

Wilson Acosta led Argentina with 12 kills en route to a quarterfinals berth.

The United States reached the Round of 16 after finishing in second place in Pool D and was attempting to make the tournament’s quarterfinals for the second time in the nation’s history.

The team will now compete in the consolation bracket and can finish no higher than ninth place at the 20-team event.