Returning to the national squad fresh from a break, Olympic medalist and USA captain Micah Christenson led his team to a commanding 3–0 victory (25-20, 25-21, 25-14) over Colombia in their 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship opener at Pasay City’s SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win sets a confident tone for the Americans as they begin their campaign in Pool D—while Colombia, making their debut appearance, showed promise despite falling short.

Christenson’s Resurgence Energizes Team USA

Stepping back onto the court after skipping the Volleyball Nations League, Micah Christenson wasted no time proving his value. His precise distribution and leadership were instrumental, delivering 23 standout sets that led to success across the attack. With three players tallying double-figure points, his return is already transforming the Americans back into a well-oiled unit.

USA Dominates Across Key Metrics

From the opening whistle, the U.S. showcased dominance in all areas—out-killing Colombia 40 to 31, holding a 6 to 4 advantage in blocks, and delivering 8 aces versus Colombia’s 3. Plus, the Americans kept their error count lower, committing 17 mistakes to Colombia’s 21. The clean sweep delivers three essential Pool D points and a confidence boost for the path ahead.

New Faces Step Up for the Stars and Stripes

Ethan Champlin led the scoring with a well-rounded 17-point performance—12 kills, 3 aces, and 2 blocks. Gabriel Garcia added 12 points, while Jordan Ewert chipped in 11. The contributions from these emerging voices underline the depth USA now boasts when Christenson tempts rhythm from the back—reinforcing why his rest may have supercharged the group.

Colombia Shows Heart in Debut on the Big Stage

Co-captain Leandro Ararat reflected on the historic occasion: “We came into this match knowing that their level was very high… It was the first World Championship match for Colombia, and I felt the team a little bit nervous at the beginning. We had good moments during the match, especially in transition, but it was hard to keep up with their level.” Their debut might not have produced points, but it revealed flashes of potential to build on in future matches.

Early Momentum and What Lies Ahead

USA’s commanding victory not only gives them a head start in the standings but also a morale boost heading into the rest of Pool D. With a mix of experience and fresh energy, the squad looks to maintain consistency and maturity—qualities they exhibited in overcoming Colombia’s stiff resistance. For Colombia, the challenge now is regrouping and leveraging their youthful spark as they prepare for their next matches.