Aug. 4, 2012

The USA men's volleyball team's undefeated run through preliminary round play at the 2012 London Olympics came to an end on Saturday (Aug. 4) with a 27-29, 19-25, 26-24, 25-16, 15-18 loss to Russia, which overcame a two-set deficit and staved off match point in the third set.

The Americans, with former Trojan Donald Suxho at setter, dropped to 3-1 in Pool B play. The USA is the defending Olympic champion, but currently is ranked fifth in the world. Russia is No. 2 in the world behind No. 1 Brazil, which was swept by the USA on Thursday (the Russians were swept by Brazil earlier in the week).

After winning the first two sets on Saturday, the USA held a 22-19 lead in the third set when the momentum quickly changed in Russia's favor on a pair of 3-0 runs, first seeing Russia tie the set at 22-22 and then having Russia overcome match at 24-23 to go on to win the set. The loss ended USA's 11-match Olympic winning streak.

Despite the loss and with one match remaining in pool play, the USA will advance to the Round of Eight elimination play next week. The Americans conclude preliminary round play against No. 20 Tunisia, which is 0-4 so far, on Monday (Aug. 6) at noon (PT).

Suxho had 109 assists, 6 digs and 9 blocks against Russia.

Suxho, who lettered at USC from 1997 to 2000, was the 2000 National Collegiate Player of the Year. The native of Albania who came to America for college also participated in the 2004 Olympics for the USA.

Follow Suxho and the rest of the 40 Trojan Olympians' quest for gold at www.usctrojans.com/london2012