Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena have extended USA’s stay on Copacabana Beach, despite Italy’s best efforts.
Dalhausser and Lucena defeated Italy in a marathon of a match Thursday at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. With the win, USA clinched the top spot in Pool C of the preliminary round and a spot in the round of 16.
The countries split the first two sets, and Italy resisted courageously in the third frame, which was supposed to run to the 15-point mark. Dalhausser and Lucena couldn’t open the two-point advantage required to end the third set until the score reached 24-22, as Italy survived six match points before succumbing to defeat.
Dalhausser and Lucena finish pool play unbeaten and are Team USA’s only remaining representatives in the men’s beach volleyball competition.
.@PhilDalhausser @NicklucenaFSU will play Austria Huber/Seidel in Rd of 16, day and time not decided yet pic.twitter.com/uWmwrDgjA5
— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) August 12, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY Sports Images
