US men’s volleyball team survives scare from Germany

The US men’s volleyball team, which features four Hawaiian players, survived a shocking defeat to Germany today at the Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The Americans sailed through the first two sets, then held on to win 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 20-25, 15-11 to go 2-0 in the tournament. Team USA defeated Argentina in its first pool match.

Aaron Russell, who missed the Tokyo Olympics due to injury, was top with 15 kills, followed by TJ Defalco with 14 and Matt Anderson with 11.

Former Hawaii star Taylor Averill had five kills in seven swings. Former Kamehameha star Micah Christenson led the charge as the team’s starting setter. Punahou alum Erik Shoji was the libero. Punahou alum Micah Ma’a is the backup setter.