Olympic champions France started their participation in the Hubert Jerzy Wagner Memorial with a clean victory. Andrea Giani's "Roosters" defeated USA 3-0 (28:26, 25:21, 25:23) in the first match of the prestigious tournament in Poland.
However, the score does not fully reflect what happened on the court. The Americans had their opportunities, especially in the first set, but France showed greater stability in crucial moments and snatched all three parts.
USA took a serious step towards winning the first set, as with Jake Hanes as a key figure, they took a 17:13 lead. The Americans maintained their lead until the final phase and even had a chance to close the set. Aaron Russell, however, failed to convert the set point, and France took advantage, coming back to win 28:26.
In the second set, the Olympic champions already had more serious control over the game. A strong serving run by Antoine Brizard helped establish a 20:16 lead, which this time the French did not relinquish. A block against Russell ended the set at 25:21.
USA tried to change the course of the match in the third set, with Hanes again among the most active for the Americans. France, however, had its answer in Théo Faure, and at 23:22, they again kept their composure at the end. Mathis Enard scored the last point for 25:23, making the final score 3-0.
Hanes was the top scorer in the match with 14 points for USA, and Russell added 12. For the winners, Mathis Enard finished with 12 points, Trevor Clevenot with 10, and Théo Faure with 9.
After the opening match, the Wagner Memorial program continues with the encounter between hosts Poland and Slovenia.

photo:volleyballworld.com