The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Sullivan, U.S. Men's Volleyball win bronze at the 2016 Olympics
08.21.2016 | Volleyball
Texas Volleyball Associate Head Coach Erik Sullivan helped lead Team USA to victory to win a bronze medal on Sunday.
ERIK SULLIVAN: REPORTING FROM RIO
RIO DE JANEIRO – Texas Volleyball Associate Head Coach Erik Sullivan and the U.S. Men's Volleyball team claimed the bronze medal after defeating Russia, 3-2 (23-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-13) on Sunday.
The USA came back from an 0-2 deficit to conquer the reigning champions and secure the men's second bronze medal and fifth medal overall.
Team USA posted 72 kills to Russia's 52 and eight aces to Russia's five, with Matthew Anderson and William Reid Priddy leading the U.S. with 21 and 18 points, respectively.
The U.S. finished the 2016 Olympics with a 5-3 record after losing its first two matches and coming back to win four-straight before falling to Italy in a close five-set match in the semifinal round.
Texas Volleyball Associate Head Coach Erik Sullivan
On winning the bronze: It feels great. I feel so proud and lucky to not only represent our country, but to be a part of this group. We were so gritty in our emotional and physical effort throughout the whole tournament. When our backs were against the wall, we fought the hardest and it paid off with the bronze medal.
Texas Volleyball Head Coach Jerritt Elliott
On the win: We are proud of Erik and his accomplishments with winning the bronze. It's a big deal to win a medal and know he put a lot of effort into achieving this. We congratulate both the men's and women's beach teams for their accomplishments as well.
TEAM USA in the 2016 Rio Olympics
August 7
Canada def. USA, 3-0
August 9
Italy def. USA, 3-1
August 11
USA def. Brazil, 3-1
August 13
USA def. France, 3-1
August 15
USA def. Mexico, 3-0
August 17 (quarterfinal)
USA def. Poland, 3-0
August 19 (semifinal)
Italy def. USA, 3-2
August 21 (bronze)
USA def. Russia, 3-2