UCI to play for bronze

BANGKOK, Thailand — Former UC Irvine All-American Jayson Jablonsky led the U.S. men’s volleyball team with 12 kills in a 21-25, 26-28, 37-39 loss to defending champion Turkey Thursday at the World University Games.

Team USA, which also includes former Anteaters All-Americans David Smith and Brian Thornton, will play Italy for the bronze medal Saturday at Thammasat University.

Jablonsky recorded all 12 of his points on kills, while Smith added eight points. Thornton, a setter, saw action in all three games.

The loss was the first in seven tournament matches for the U.S. men.

Italy (6-1) lost to Canada, 25-20, 18-25, 19-25, 21-25, in Thursday’s other semifinal.

— From staff reports