As the way they stepped into the Capital Indoor Stadium, the Venezuelan men's volleyballers held their head high when leaving, despite a 2-3 loss to the United States on Sunday.

The Olympics newcomer was fearless in face of the new World League champion and they started strongly to lead 2-1 at the opener. The Americans seem less prepared for the Venezuela's fierce offense, but the world's No. 3 team showed their quality with solid blocks and fatal hits from wing spiker Clayton Stanley and the two sides traded leads to tie it at 6-all.

Another American ace spiker William Priddy broke the tie, but soon his two spike faults helped the rivals to pull back 9-9. However, Venezuela failed to grab the chance and the U.S. lead all the way from 19-14 to 23-17. Priddy helped the team take the set 25-18 with an unanswered spike and an ace serve.

In the second set, Venezue still could find ways to deal with the U.S. high spikes and their attempts of bouncing back were in vain. They lost the set with another 18-25.

The south Americans rallied back in the following two sets when the veteran U.S. setter Lioy Ball had to rest at courtside after having his left leg injured.

The Venezuelan spikers Lius Diaz and Juan Carlos Blanco led the team to impress more than 11,000 spectators with quick spikes and stubborn defense, helping the team to win 25-22 and 25-21.

In the breath-taking finale, the U.S. regained their rhythm after Ball's return to court though Venezuela took an early lead 4-2. They staged a stunning 4-0 run with the lethal spikes of Clayton Stanley to take over lead 6-4. Venezuela pulled back two points, but the U.S. tean immediately trade them the same back and lead 8-6 to exchange the court site.

The Americans never looked back and hold four match points. With a beeline spike of Stanley, the Americans ended the energy-consuming tussle 15-10.

Earlier in the day, mighty Russia upset World League runner-up Serbia 3-1 and Athens silver medalist Italy beat Japan 3-1.

Twelve men's teams are divided into two groups to compete in the preliminary round of the Olympic tournaments in Beijing that run through August 10-18. The knockout stages run from Aug. 20 to 24.

Italy, Japan, United States, Venezuela, China and Bulgaria are in Group A and defending champion Brazil, Russia, Serbia, Egypt, Poland and German are in Group B.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)