LONDON (AP) — The defending champion U.S. men’s volleyball team opened Olympic play Sunday by sweeping Serbia behind Matt Anderson’s 18 points.
Captain Clay Stanley added 13 points in the 25-17, 25-22, 25-21 victory at Earls Court.
The Americans were not considered a favorite going into the Olympics despite a silver-medal finish in the recent FIVB World League tournament. But they clearly were formidable against Serbia.
Marko Podrascanin had 13 points, including two aces, for Serbia.
Four years ago, the U.S. men undefeated in Beijing, upsetting Brazil in final. That team was coached by Hugh McCutcheon. McCutcheon’s father-in-law was stabbed to death at a Chinese tourist site just before the opening ceremony. The coach left the team for several matches to be with his family.
