The U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team launched its 2025 FIVB World Championship campaign in style, sweeping Colombia 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-14) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Ethan Champlin led all scorers with 17 points on 12 kills, three aces, and two blocks, while Gabriel Garcia added 12 points, highlighted by a match-high four aces. Jordan Ewert chipped in 11 points with 10 kills and a block.
For Colombia, Miguel Ángel Amaranto paced his team with 11 points, all from kills, and Juan Felipe Benavides contributed eight.
Head coach Karch Kiraly praised his team’s poise, especially from players making their World Championship debuts. “They did a really nice job of working through first-time nerves and made it look like they’ve been competing at this level for years,” he said.
The U.S. outperformed Colombia in every category — kills (40-31), blocks (6-4), and aces (8-3) — while maintaining a .405 hitting efficiency behind captain Micah Christenson’s steady setting.
With the victory, the U.S. (1-0) claimed its first three points in Pool D. Colombia, making its first-ever World Championship appearance, will look to bounce back in its next outing.
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