CHICAGO – Former Nittany Lion standouts Matt Anderson, Max Holt, and Aaron Russell led USA Volleyball to a silver medal at the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Finals held at Credit Union 1 Arena this past weekend.
Anderson was tabbed the MVP of the VNL Finals and best opposite hitter for the tournament. Holt received best middle blocker honors. Both started all four matches for the U.S. while Russell was in the starting lineup for three matches.
The U.S. took down France and Russia in group play prior to coming back to defeat Brazil in five sets in the semifinals. The Americans faced Russia again in the championship match and fell 3-1 to take home a silver medal.
Anderson finished the tournament with 50 kills, four aces, and two blocks to be named the most valuable player. Holt led all players at the finals with 17 blocks while adding 19 kills and a pair of aces.
Russell tacked on 22 points in his three matches played for the United States, including 16 points in the opening match against France.
All three players will join the rest of the U.S. squad in Anaheim, Calif. to prepare for the Olympic qualification tournament Aug. 9-11 in Netherlands.
Anderson, Holt, and Russell remain commonplace names in the Penn State men's volleyball record books. Anderson and Holt both helped Penn State to its second national title in 2008. Anderson brought home AVCA Co-Player of the Year honors while also earning the 2008 NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Holt was also an AVCA First Team All-American selection and still holds Penn State's career service ace record with 207.
Russell ranks fourth in program history with 1,534 career kills and second to Holt in service aces with 198. He was also a two-time AVCA First Team All-American in 2014 and 2015.
All three earned bronze medals with Team USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
