USA rides Gabi Garcia’s brilliance to stave off Slovenia, seal FIVB Worlds quarterfinals spot

Gabi Garcia scorched Slovenia at the service line, powering USA to a 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20 comeback win in the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship Round of 16 on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The high-leaping opposite hitter took charge on both ends, exploding for 26 points built on seven aces, none bigger than the match-sealing serve that sealed the Americans’ return to the quarterfinals.

Garcia also tallied 11 digs to notch a double-double performance, while Ethan Champlin and Jordan Ewert added 15 and 14 points, respectively, as Team USA overcame a first-set stumble en route to the four-set victory. 

But the USA had to grind it out for the win. 

After dropping the opening frame, the world No. 4 Americans regained their rhythm in Set 2, with Champlin sparking a 21-14 cushion. Slovenia, however, roared back with an 8-3 surge to trim the gap to just two, 24-22.

But Ewert delivered a drop ball from the left wing to finally put USA on the board.

Slovenia staged a similar fighting spirit in Set 4 with Nik Mujanovic swinging for the kill that kept USA at bay, 19-20, before Ewert responded with a hammer of his own off an out-of-system set from Micah Christenson to make it a two-point lead for the Americans. 

Jan Kozamernik converted a quick play to once again trim Slovenia's deficit to one, 20-21. 

Garcia, though, put the finishing blow by unloading two service aces as part of a 4-0 closing run to help USA return to the top eight and get the chance to eclipse their quarterfinals finish in the 2022 edition. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News