Trelew, Argentina, May 7, 2008 – The Australian Men’s Volleyball Team “Volleyball Team Australia” played their first match of the 2008 Men's Olympic Qualification Tournament preparation tour Monday, rallying back from a one-set deficit to defeat Argentina in four sets 24-26, 25-22, 25-17, 25-21.

With the welcome return of 2004 Olympian Zane Christensen after four years out of the sport through injury, it was the Australian block and attack which created the opportunity to record such a strong victory against the world No. 6 ranked team.

The first set was close, but Australia created a small break (8-6) with a transition kill through Igor Yudin, as well as blocks to David Ferguson and Luke Campbell.

Despite an attack error, the Australians extended the lead with blocks to Nathan Roberts, Christensen and Campbell to lead 16-13. A couple of serve errors, a ball handling error, a net-assisted service ace and two Argentinean transition kills turned the momentum in Argentina’s favour.

A transition through Christensen kept the Australians in the set, as did blocks to Ferguson and Campbell, but Argentina served well, taking a 21-20 lead with two aces. Yudin blocked again, but Argentina took the set with two more service aces.

Despite another ace to Argentina early in the second set, Australia created a small break at the first technical timeout with a transition kill through Roberts and blocks to Christensen and Matthew Young.

Blocks to Ferguson and Christensen as well as a transition kill through Yudin extended the lead to 16-13. This time Australia maintained concentration, and despite two Argentinean transition kills, Australia steadied with blocks to Young and Christensen to take the set.

In the third set Australia played very consistent Volleyball. Transition kills through Christensen and Yudin, as well as a block to Young gave them an 8-6 lead.

An ace to Campbell as well as three Argentinean attack errors extended the lead to 16-12. This time Australia forged ahead with a block and an ace to Ferguson to take the set 25-17.

Despite a block to Jarryd Christensen to bring up Australia’s second point, the Argentines developed an 8-7 lead in the fourth set, through a transition kill and an Australian attack error.

The Australians stayed composed and took a lead of 16-12 by the second technical timeout with blocks to Young and Ferguson, as well as an ace to Ferguson. Argentina fought back with a block, but Australia responded with a block to Yudin.

In the end Roberts finished the match with a service ace, to give Australia a memorable victory.

A second tour match between Australia and Argentina follows this one.