June 26, 2009
Former Nittany Lion men's volleyball player Matt Anderson helped improve the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team's record to 3-1 with two victories against Italy June 19 and 20 in the 2009 FIVB World League Action. After securing a 3-1 (25-21, 30-25, 21-25, 25-21) win in match one with Italy, the U.S. extended its winning streak to three matches with another 3-1 (25-19, 18-25, 25-22, 25-20) victory a day later.
The U.S. team, ranked No. 2 in the world, now readies for China this weekend with matches on June 26 and 27 at the San Jose State University Event Center Arena.
Anderson started at outside hitter in both matches for head coach Alan Knipe. In game one, Anderson finished with nine points on seven kills and two blocks. The following day, Anderson was third on the team with 12 points off of 11 kills and one ace.
Anderson helped Penn State to a 2008 National Championship before by-passing his senior year to play professionally in Seoul, South Korea for the Hyuandi Capital Skywalkers of the Korean Volleyball League. This season, the Skywalkers claimed first in the regular season before losing 3-1 in the championship series.
2009 FIVB World League Schedule and Results
Date: June 13-14
Opponent: NetherlandsLocation: Rotterdam
June 13: Netherlands def. USA, 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 26-24)
June 14: USA def. Netherlands, 3-2 (25-16, 30-32, 25-17, 20-25, 15-6)
Date: June 19 and 21
Opponent: Italy
June 19: USA def. Italy, 3-1 (25-21, 30-25, 21-25, 25-21)
June 20: USA def. Italy, 3-1 (25-19, 18-25, 25-22, 25-20)
Location: Florence and Catania
Date: June 26-27 (7 p.m. both days)
Opponent: China
Location: San Jose State University Event Center Arena in San Jose, Calif.
Date: July 4-5
Opponent: China
Location: Nanjing
Date: July 10-11 (7 p.m. both days)
Opponent: Italy
Location: Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Date: July 17-18 (7 p.m. both days)
Opponent: Netherlands
Location: Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kan.
Date: July 22-26
Event: Final Round (teams must qualify)
Opponents: TBD
Location: Belgrade, Serbia