posted on Aug, 29 2004 @ 09:07 AM
Alexey Kuleshov had 16 points Sunday to lead the Russians to an easy sweep over the United States in the bronze medal match, 25-22, 27-25, 25-16.
The Americans played from behind almost the whole time, making poor hitting decisions that left them unable to get any of their spikes around the
towering Russian triple block.
Alexander Kosarev ended it with a spike that glanced off Riley Salmon's arms.
The U.S. team's frustration from its recent struggles was evident during this match: When veteran outside hitter Kevin Barnett had a spike blocked in
the third set, he picked up the bouncing ball, turned around and threw it about 50 yards into the first row of seats behind the court.
Russia won the silver medal in 2000.