Parker Tomkinson leads US with 8 blocks while UCLA’s Sean Kelly shines with nine kills.
UC middle attacker Parker Tomkinson was unstoppable on Sunday as the United States swept Costa Rica in their Pan Am Cup opener, winning 25-15, 26-24, and 25-14. Tomkinson delivered the game-winning block late into the second-game overtime while also racking up eight blocks overall.
Tomkinson's dominance extended across all three sets; in fact, he added two more blocks in the final set, as part of a 6-1 run that sealed Cost Rica’s defeat. The American team chalked up a total of 16 blocks against their opponents' meager seven, making them the story of the match.
US Finishes with Dominant Block Total
Cameron Thorne from UCLA chipped in with four blocks and Tread Rosenthal made two. Together, they formed a formidable defense line that stymied Cost Rica's attack, who struggled particularly as their negative .016 attack percentage attests.
UCLA Contributions Spark American Offense
Besides Tomkinson, UCLA outside attacker Sean Kelly shone with nine kills at an impressive .429 success rate. Kyle Hobus also added seven crucial kills to the mix. Combined, these players and their teams orchestrated a solid strategy that not only won the game but highlighted individual prowess.