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Reese Devilbiss supplies three kills, helps Team USA into quarterfinals of FIVB World Championship


Northeastern senior Reese Devilbiss saw his first action on the front line for Team USA in the 19-and-under squad's 3-0 win Wednesday vs. Mexico.

Devilbiss scored three kills with the opportunity during a 25-18, 25-16, 25-22 victory that advanced the U.S. to the quarterfinals of the FIVB Boys' U19 World Championships in Argentina.

The boys' national team has never finished in the top half of the World Championships, but Wednesday's win guarantees a top-eight finish. The U.S. will face the winner of Russia and Bulgaria on Aug. 21 with the time to be determined.

Opposite Kyle Ensing of Valencia, Calif., took charge of the U.S. offense, leading all players with 21 points from 15 kills, two blocks and four aces. Ensing has 45 kills in the past three matches for the U.S., and has a team-high 49.47 hitting percentage for the tournament.

Setter Micah Ma'a of Kaneohe, Hawaii, notched six of his seven points through aces. Ma'a is averaging 1.05 aces per set for the tournament with 21 through five matches.

In the final set, the U.S. overpowered Mexico. The team took the lead at 6-4, with Ensing's arm carrying the team. A kill by Ensing put the U.S. up 14-10, while a kill by Devilbiss put the U.S. up 16-12 at the second technical time out.