USA bounced back after dropping the first set, taking the next three to dominate Slovenia, 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20, and secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Monday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The World No. 4 Americans will face World No. 11 Bulgaria in the quarterfinals, a matchup expected to draw a large crowd as both teams are fan favorites.
“Our serving was unreal — Gabi, Champlin, and the rest of the crew. All of our pins — Gabi, Jordan, Champ — haven’t played in a match like that before. I love that we get another day to play and give them more of these really priceless experiences,” said USA head coach Karch Kiraly, as the team held a 12-2 advantage in aces.
Gabi Garcia led the charge for the Americans, finishing with 26 points on 15 attacks, seven aces, and four blocks, thrilling the large crowd that stayed late into Monday evening.
The 6-foot-7 opposite spiker was crucial in closing out Slovenia, with USA ahead by just one point in the fourth set, 21-20. He scored two of his aces during the Americans’ 4-0 run to secure the win in two hours and eight minutes.
Ethan Champlin supported Garcia with 15 points, including 11 spikes, three aces, and a block, while Jordan Ewert contributed 14 points—all from attacks.
Middle blockers Jeffrey Jendryk and Merrick McHenry added eight points each, as setter Micah Christenson orchestrated the offense efficiently.
“How can you not be pleased? We’re staying alive and moving on to the next round. That’s kind of the makeup of this team — the heartbeat is to find a way to win. It didn’t always look pretty tonight, but we got it done when it counted,” said Christenson, USA’s team captain.
For Slovenia, the journey ended as they failed to replicate their deep run from 2022, when they finished fourth.
Star Rok Možič missed the tournament due to a knee injury, and captain Tine Urnaut played this game in limited capacity after sitting out the first three matches.
Toncek Stern led Slovenia’s fight with 18 points, while Nik Mujanovic was held to 13 points.
