2006 World Championships   More World Championship news       Tournament info: Puerto Rico

USA sweep Puerto Rico to begin men's second round tournament

Caguas, Puerto Rico, August 22, 2005 - Dave McKienzie scored a team-high 12 points to lead USA to a 3-0 win over Puerto Rico to begin the FIVB Men's World Championship second round tournament (NORCECA D) on Monday.

McKienzie ripped 12 kills to lead five players with at least eight points in the 25-20, 26-24, 25-22 victory for the United States, the fifth-ranked team in the world.

In the openind day's first game, Mexico beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-11).

The top two finishers in the tournament featuring Barbados, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United States will qualify for the 2006 World Championships as members of the NORCECA zone.

Riley Salmon scored 10 points while Phil Eatherton, David Lee and Jim Polster added eight points apiece for the Americans.

Salmon had eight kills, one block and one ace in the win. Eatherton tallied six kills and two blocks; Lee posted four kills and a match-high four blocks; and Polster blasted eight kills for the USA Men, who improved to 13-5 overall this season.

Jose Rivera scored a match-high 13 points to lead Puerto Rico. Hector Soto added 12 points, Victor Rivera scored 11 points and Luis Rodriguez tallied 10 points in the loss.

Team USA continues pool play against Guatemala on Tuesday, Aug. 23. The Americans have a rest day on Wednesday, Aug. 24, then face Barbados on Thursday, Aug. 25. The United States concludes pool play against Mexico on Friday, Aug. 26.

The top four teams at the conclusion of pool play advance to the tournament semifinals on Aug. 27. The WCQT third-place and championship matches will be on Sunday, Aug. 28.

Canada and Cuba secured the first two NORCECA slots for the World Championships at the NORCECA E World Championship Qualification Tournament in Havana on Sunday, Aug. 21.

In all, 24 teams will compete at the 2006 World Championships from Nov. 16-Dec. 3 nine from Europe, five from Asia, four from NORCECA, two from Africa, two from South America, the host team (Japan) and the 2002 champion (Brazil).