IRVINE, Calif. -- The United States men's volleyball team defeated Italy 3-2 (26-28, 25-20, 24-26, 25-17, 15-10) in the final Intercontinental Round match of the 2012 FIVB World League at the Dallas Convention Center Arena on Sunday securing a trip to the World League Finals.

With the victory, the U.S. Men, who are ranked No. 6 in the world, won Pool C with a 9-3 record and advance to the FIVB World League Finals in Sofia, Bulgaria July 4-7. The U.S. will join host Bulgaria and Germany in Pool E, opening with Germany on July 5 then Bulgaria on July 6. The semifinals take place on July 7 followed by the championship on July 8.

Former UCI All-American David Smith added two points on one kill and one block at middle blocker against the Italians. Former UCI All-Americans Brian Thornton and Jayson Jablonsky are also members of the U.S. squad.

After practice on Sunday afternoon and before the match against Italy, Jablonsky, who was the 2006 AVCA National Player of the Year while playing for the Anteaters, along with U.S. teammate David McKienzie attended the 2012 USA Volleyball Boys' Junior National Championships (BJNC) which was also being held in Dallas to sign autographs and take photos.

UCI senior-to-be Kevin Tillie helped France to a second place finish in Pool C. Tillie, a 2012 first team AVCA All-American, was second on the team with 19 points in France's 3-2 victory over the U.S.

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