U.S. earns bronze

BANGKOK, Thailand — Former UC Irvine All-American middle blocker David Smith started all three games to help the U.S. men’s volleyball team defeat Italy, 25-15, 25-2, 25-16, in the bronze-medal match of the World University Games Saturday at Thammasat University.

Smith contributed six points, four kills and two blocks to help the Americans finish 7-1 in the tournament.

Former UCI All-American setter Brian Thornton came off the bench to play in two games, while former Anteaters All-American Jayson Jablonsky played in the third game.

Team USA’s only loss was to eventual champion Turkey in the semifinals. Turkey defeated Canada, in four games in the gold-medal match Saturday.

— From staff reports