Santa Barbara’s Jeff Menzel has carried over his solid play from the NCAA postseason into international volleyball competition.
In the opening match at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China, Menzel pounded a match-high 15 kills and hit .407 to lead the United States to a 25-17, 25-23, 25-15 sweep over Mexico.
Menzel, one of 12 current or recently graduated college men’s volleyball players selected to represent the United States at the tournament, led UCSB to the NCAA championship match in May.
He was force against Mexico, along with USC’s Murphy Troy, who added 10 kills and hit .400.
The U.S. is back in action against Turkey at 5 a.m. Saturday.
