Team USA Men’s Sitting Volleyball loses Gold Medal Match vs. Brazil (3-0)

CALLAO — The last time the United States played Brazil in Men’s sitting volleyball, you could say it didn’t go too well. Brazil was the only team to defeat the stars and stripes this tournament, and it came at a score of 3-1.  This time around, the United States was out for blood. 

Unfortunately, they were playing a well seasoned Brazil team who started the match taking the first set 25-18. In the second set, Team USA crawled right back into it, as they starting the set strong at 17-13. But the United States would lose momentum and Brazil would tie it at 17 a piece. It would never go back in the United States’ direction, and Team USA would drop the second set 25-22.

Brazil must of had an international phone book, because they had the United States’ number all match. They led the entire set, and Team USA was unable to come back  and lost the third set 25-12, in the process getting swept by Brazil.

Roderick Green led all U.S. scorers with seven points on 11 attempts. However, Brazil’s Gilberto Laurenco led all scorers with 14 points of his own.

Brazil was all smiles after the match. Their players including Captain, Fabricio Da Silva, circled the fans around the court high five-ing any and all takers. His gestures led to thunderous applause from the Peruvian and Brazilian faithful. About the team’s play, Da Silva said about Brazil, 

“I think we handled the first set very well, and the third set. The second set, we slowed down our pace a little bit but all in all very good.”

Brazil punched their ticket to Tokyo 2020 with the win. As for the United States, they would take the silver with heads held high, especially new comer to the team Nicholas Swearingen, who said of his new medal, 

“I’ve never won a silver medal before. I’ve also never been to a Parapan American Games before, this is my first one so it’s a big deal.”

For Team USA the plan is not to sit and mope, but to get back up and keep working to get to Tokyo 2020, says #14 John Kremer,

“Our plan is to keep training and regroup and get after it and get ready for our next tournament.”

On a side note, Canada defeated Columbia to take the bronze medal, In straight sets, 3-0.