PARIS – Penn State’s trio of men’s volleyball legends helped Team USA finish unbeaten in Pool C at the 2024 Paris Olympics following a 3-1 win over Japan on Friday. USA advanced to the quarterfinal round, where it will take on Brazil on Monday at 3 p.m. ET.
Matt Anderson ’08 led USA with 16 points on 15 kills and one ace in the win over Japan. Aaron Russell ’15 finished with 10 kills and two blocks, while Max Holt ’09 contributed seven kills and an ace.
In addition to the win over Japan, USA had a 3-0 victory over Argentina and a 3-2 win over Germany in pool play.
The three former Nittany Lions make up half of the team’s starting lineup. Russell has 44 points on 38 kills, two blocks and four aces through three matches at the Olympics. Anderson’s 37 points have come on 32 kills, two blocks and three aces. Holt’s 27 points include 20 kills, four blocks and three aces.
USA’s quarterfinal match against Brazil will stream live on Peacock. The winner advances to the semifinal round to play either Slovenia or Poland on Wednesday.