Not In Our House

Paul Lotman, Rich Lambourne and David Lee in the autograph session after defeating Russia 3-0 in World League action.


Sitting in USA's practice this morning I could not help but hear what their parting saying was as the team concluded serve and pass. "Not in our house!"

The US Men's National Team kept to their word blanking Russian on the first of two World League matches in Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, as they defeat the visitors, 3-0, 25-21, 27-25, 25-23, to keep the US's hopes alive for a World League Finals appearance.

Having stellar matches for USA were Middle Blocker, Russell Holmes (Fountain Valley, CA/BYU), Libero, Rich Lambourne (Tustin, CA/BYU) and Setter, Kevin Hansen (Costa Mesa, CA/Stanford). In the first set, the 6'8" Russell Holmes got matched up in his rotation against Russia's largest player, 7'4" Middle Blocker, Dmitriy Muserskiy, in a one-on-one situation in the middle. What happen set the tone for probably the most dominant performance for the USA team this year. Musersky was fed the quick set in the middle and Holmes penetrated the net and rejected the attack straight down on the Russian side. The 5,025 fans in attendance ROARED knowing the height advantage by the Russian attacker. Holmes finished the evening with 12 points.

Contributing equally to the effort was the invaluable defense and passing by Libero Rich Lambourne. Russia is easily the hugest most physical team in World League this year and without a doubt they continued that reputation tonight. Unfortunately for them, Rich Lambourne refused to let any of the ballistic attacks drop at his feet without making an incredible effort to dig and step in to run transition offense.

Kevin Hansen spread the offense well for the USA where almost 3 players were in double-digit kills. In addition he picked up 6 digs for the USA. It's not to say that familiar names did not contribute to the much-needed US victory tonight, but familiar standouts for the US team came up big as well-- Reid Priddy (11 points) and Clay Stanley (10 points).

All in all it was an incredible performance by the USA tonight-- more World League action coming up tomorrow night in Wichita! If the USA can sweep Russia tomorrow as well the glimmer of hope will brighten up even more...