Ningbo (China), July 31 -- The United States and defending champion Poland advanced to the semifinals of the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League Finals with quarterfinal victories.
The sixth-ranked United States swept No. 2 Italy 25-22, 25-21, 25-21 to reach the VNL semifinals for the fifth time on Thursday. A dominant serving performance proved decisive as the Americans finished with 14 aces against last year's runner-up.
The United States took control early with aggressive serving to claim the opening two sets before Italy threatened to rally in the third. Trailing 15-10, the Americans responded with a six-point run powered by strong serving and attacking to pull away and complete the straight-sets victory.
Opposite hitter Jake Hanes ...