The United States men`s volleyball team, spearheaded by an exceptional performance from Gabriel Garcia, secured their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines. In a thrilling eighth-final match held in Pasay City on Monday, the Americans overcame a one-set deficit to defeat Slovenia 3-1. Their next challenge will be against Bulgaria in the quarter-finals, scheduled for Thursday, September 25, where a victory would earn them a spot in the semi-finals.
Slovenia started strong, establishing an 11-6 lead in the first set with a six-point run and maintaining their advantage to win by six points. However, the USA retaliated fiercely in the second set, building a significant lead. Despite Slovenia saving three set points, outside hitter Jordan Ewert secured the set for the Americans by placing the ball skillfully between the block and the net. Carrying this momentum, the USA dominated the third set, largely thanks to superior blocking, with Ewert once again delivering the decisive point, this time via a pipe shot. The American team maintained their dominance in the fourth set, culminating in an electrifying ace from opposite Gabriel Garcia that sealed the 3-1 victory (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20).
Gabriel Garcia`s serving was outstanding, contributing seven of the team`s total 12 aces – a crucial factor as Slovenia managed only two. The USA also excelled in net defense, recording 10 kill blocks to Slovenia`s seven, with Garcia accounting for four of those. In attack, the Americans led 53-49 in spike kills, with Garcia contributing 15 en route to a match-high 26 points. Outside hitter Ethan Champlin added 15 points, including three aces and a block, while Jordan Ewert scored 13 points, all from attacks.
USA`s star setter and captain Micah Christenson expressed his satisfaction: “How can you not be pleased? We are staying alive, going to the next round. I think that’s kind of the heartbeat of this team, just find a way to win! It didn’t always look pretty tonight, but we got it done when it counted, and there is a ton of credit to the guys for staying mature, staying focused in those big moments.” He added, “They are playing lights out! It’s awesome just to be in the moment. We’ve got no expectations of getting to a certain place. We are just taking it day by day, so we are going to go and enjoy this tonight, and then, prepare for our next round.”
Despite their loss, Slovenia demonstrated superior precision, making only 19 unforced errors compared to USA`s 26, which effectively handed the Americans “free” points. Toncek Stern led Slovenia`s scoring with 18 points. Young outside hitter Nik Mujanovic, aged 20, contributed two aces for a total of 13 points, while star middle blocker Jan Kozamernik recorded four kill blocks, accumulating 10 points.
Slovenia`s captain, Tine Urnaut, acknowledged the opposition`s strength: “It’s tough! But we have to say today USA was better. They were serving better than us. They were more concrete, so congratulations to them!” Urnaut also mentioned team adjustments: “We played in a little bit different formation again in this tournament, some players changed positions, so we did well as a team, fighting until the end. But today we came up short. They were better…”
The round of 16 in Pasay City is set to conclude on Tuesday. Tunisia and Czechia will compete for a quarterfinal berth at 15:30 local time (07:30 UTC). Following this, Serbia and Iran will battle it out to determine the final team advancing to the quarterfinals, with their match commencing at 20:00 local time (12:00 UTC).
Match highlights are available on official championship channels.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield