Team USA, attempting to defend their gold medal from the Beijing Olympics in men's volleyball lost in the quarterfinals of their tournament against Italy in straight sets on Wednesday, 28-26, 25-20, 25-20. Reid Priddy, born in Richmond, Va. is a member of the team and was on the team that won gold in 2008.
After having the advantage for most of the first set, the Italians tied the set up at 18. After that it was back and forth until Team USA failed to take advantage of a pair of net violations by Italy and wound up losing the set.
Team USA briefly held the lead in the second set, 17-16, but allowed Italy to get on a 7-1 run, Team USA would cut the deficit down to three points in that set, but the Italians would not relinquish that lead. The Americans again held an early lead in the final set, but Italy would use another big run to take the lead and prevent Team USA from trailing by less than two points in the final set.
Italy will face Brazil in the semifinals with a chance to clinch an Olympic medal.
For a complete schedule of events and dates medals will be awarded, visit NBC Sports' official Olympic website. For complete coverage from the 2012 London Olympics, keep checking this StoryStream and visit SB Nation's Olympics hub.