What a great run for the Jr National Team in Rio de Janeiro! We battled and played with heart today but just didn't have an answer for a very good Serbian team with a seasoned pro playing opposite. Remember this name:  Aleksandar Atanasijevic

AA is the real deal. He really stepped up his game against the third best blocking team in the tournament: USA! AA plays beyond his age and was able to blast around and off our block at will. He killed 64% of his sets for 24 points. An unreal talent and a formidable U.S. opponent for years to come!

Coach Hawks had quality contributions from Connor Olbright, Scott Kevorken, Brian Cook and Steve Irvin today. These subs really brought good energy to the court and helped team USA grab set 3 with an exciting 25-23 win. Connor did a nice job setting the quick and establishing the BIQ for the USA with solid passing by Cook, Irvin and Cassidy.

It was great to see guys that have trained especially hard for three weeks get a chance to play and really compete for the bronze medal. Although we didn't medal, this team has made history! Only six USA teams have qualified for this tournament and only two teams have made the top 8. This 2011 team is the first to break into the top four. USA has a bright future since we have qualified and improved our finish with each team. The Olympic gold medal quest and tradition continues for USAV.

Fourth place is really something to celebrate since our junior and youth national teams only train for two to three weeks before we qualify or compete in World Championships.  We are the only team that trains less than a month for this competition.  In fact, most teams have lived and trained together for six month to a year for this world championship.

Great job boys; can't wait to see you play Serbia when you are on the senior team! We will catch up!

Tomorrow, we travel. We get a late checkout so the boys are hoping for clear skies for one last walk to  Ipanema before boarding a bus to the airport at 4.30. It will be a bittersweet experience bidding our phenomenal host, Davis Ruiz and the other delegations au revoir. It will be even tougher in Houston where everyone parts ways after creating some magic on the biggest stage in U21 volleyball.

Great trip boys!

Shawn Patchell
Head of USA Delegation in Rio