The name of the Olympic venue for men’s volleyball is Peace and Friendship Stadium.
The idealism existed in title only Sunday night as the U.S. men’s volleyball team angrily exchanged words with its opponents after losing to Italy. Players say the intensity from a close game just carried too far.
“They were talking, saying bad things,” U.S. setter Lloy Ball said. “I was just trying to defend my team.”
The U.S. nearly forced a fifth game but blew a lead late in the fourth set, losing its Olympic opener 3-1 on scores of 25-21, 21-25, 25-17, 25-23. The Italians are expected to challenge Brazil for the gold.
The fourth game was tight until the Americans scored four straight points midway through to take a 17-15 lead. They maintained that edge and led 23-21, just two points from forcing a decisive fifth game.
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Despite the lackluster third game, U.S. players said their intensity level peaked in the fourth game.
“You’re never out of it,” middle blocker Phillip Eatherton said. “Not until the referee blows his whistle and puts his arms across his chest.”
But in the closing minutes of the match, Italy scored four straight points, blocking the Americans once at the net and forcing the U.S. defenders to swallow three spikes.
With the game on the line, the last few points were played with a noticeable intensity from both squads. The U.S., however, opened the match tentatively.
“For a lot of us, it was our first Olympics,” said Clay Stanley, whose father, Joe, played on the 1968 U.S. team. “There were a lot of nerves going into it.”
Team USA had trouble converting spikes and struggled a bit off of Italy’s serve.
“We just need to move the ball better,” outside hitter Reid Priddy said.
The U.S. entered Olympic play ranked No. 5 in the world and not among the favorites to medal. After winning gold in 1984 and ’88, the U.S. hasn’t won a medal since the bronze in 1992.
Team USA plays again Tuesday against the Netherlands. Players knew that Italy would be a tough challenge, but Reid said the team is “confident we’ll be seeing that team again.”
If they do, players say there won’t be carry-over conflict into Peace and Friendship Stadium. Athletes from both teams know to leave their emotions on the court, said Clayton.
“Hopefully we can all be friends again,” he said.