The gratitude was felt across the Pacific and across the dateline Wednesday after the U.S. men’s national volleyball team won its first FIVB World Cup in 30 years. The team, with three Hawaii players on the roster, also clinched a berth in next summer’s Rio Olympics with the 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-20 victory over Argentina in Tokyo.
"We felt all the support from home and it’s awesome to get the gold medal for you guys," said Erik Shoji (Punahou), named the tournament’s best libero, via phone call.
"We’re so thankful for every single person … all those tweets, all those (Facebook) messages," added Micah Christenson (Kamehameha), named the best setter. "It really means the world to us and we’re really excited to bring the Cup back home to the United States."
With Poland (10-1) and Italy (10-1) both watching, the U.S. knew it needed to beat Argentina to have a chance to earn one of two Olympic berths that came with a top-2 finish in the 12-team round-robin event. The victory gave the U.S. (10-1) the first tiebreaker on points, taking gold, and Italy won the second tiebreaker on set ratio, taking silver.
The match started at midnight, finishing around 2 a.m., and "it was really nerve-wracking," said Hawaii volleyball coach Dave Shoji, watching sons Erik and Kawika play from Hawaii. "It was a long tournament.
"Erik struggled a little bit in the middle of the tournament. It’s tough for Kawika, being the backup (setter). He wants to contribute and he did. Mom (Mary) and dad are very proud."
It was the first time since 1985 that the U.S. has won the World Cup.
Erik Shoji had a key dig-kill in Set 4 after Argentina had rallied to 22-17. The libero punched the ball up from behind the baseline and it landed untouched on the Argentine side of the court for a 23-17 lead.
Christensen finished with 26 assists, three blocks, two aces, two digs and a kill. Erik Shoji had eight digs and a kill while Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) served twice in Set 4.
"It’s always an honor to represent our country, represent the people at home," Kawika Shoji said. "We’re just excited to bring back the gold to the United States. Thanks for watching in the middle of the night back home."
