Sweden Tests U.S. Volleyball Team but Eventually Runs Out of Steam

In May, Sweden’s Olympic volleyball team won an all-expense-paid trip to the United States. But it has been anything but a vacation.

After defeating the United States in four games during a tournament in Italy, Sweden was invited on a four-game tour of the United States. But the invitation didn’t exactly come from the kindness of anyone’s heart.

The United States needed another look at Sweden, a team that qualified for the Seoul Olympics.

“That’s the whole reason for this tour,” outside hitter Dave Saunders said.

Said U.S. coach Marv Dunphy: “It was definitely a factor.”

After sweeping three games from Sweden Monday night in Bakersfield, the United States did it again Tuesday night at the Bren Center, winning 15-8, 15-13, 15-7.

But it took the United States 2 1/2 games to gain control of the match--in part because of Sweden’s aggressive play and also because of the absence of outside hitter Steve Timmons, who has an injured elbow.

“Steve is someone who picks the team up,” middle blocker Craig Buck said. Timmons’ absence was felt in the first game. Without Timmons, an emotional player and team leader, the United States fell behind early, as Sweden was overpowering at the wings.

When Sweden’s Bengt Gustavsson blocked Doug Partie’s kill attempt for a 7-4 lead, Dunphy had seen enough and called a timeout.

The United States responded by scoring 11 of the next 12 points. Buck scored three consecutive points during the rally to tie the score, 7-7.

“I felt it was time I do something, get a few blocks, get us going,” said Buck, who finished with 9 kills and 4 blocks.

Buck, a graduate of Pepperdine, first blocked a kill attempt, then took a short set from Jeff Stork for a kill. Another block by Buck tied the score.

The United States put the game away, using short sets to keep Sweden’s tall front line off balanced. It was a strategy the United States would continue throughout the match.

With three starters standing 6-feet 7-inches tall and another at 6-5, Sweden was content to play power volleyball. To counter that, the United States used short sets, which didn’t allow the defense time to set up.

The United States also pulled back on kill attempts at times, choosing instead to gently tap the ball over the net which further disrupted Sweden’s defense. Buck was particularly effective at the finesse style, as he would pull back at the last second and lightly push the ball over outstretched arms.

The United States did all of that, and more. And needed to.

Sweden dominated much of the second game, but could not close out the victory. Sweden rolled off points in groups, as many as three during one service, and built a 12-9 lead. The United States rallied to tie the score, 12-12, but could not hold service. Per-Anders Saaf’s stuff block made the score 13-12 and put Sweden on the verge of victory. It was left up to Dave Saunders to pull the United States back from the brink.

Saunders’ kills broke Sweden’s service four times, as the United States fought back for a 14-13 lead. He then delivered the final blow with a kill for the victory.