Gabi Garcia's accounted for seven of Team USA's whopping 12 aces to overwhelm Slovenia and secure a quarterfinal slot in the FIVB Men's World Championship.
Gabi Garcia put on a serving clinic as Team USA stormed back from a shaky start to boot out Slovenia, 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20, in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship at the MOA Arena in Pasay, Sept. 22.
Garcia delivered seven aces to highlight his 26-point outing, fueling the Americans’ turnaround.
Team USA rained down a total of 12 service aces, overwhelming Slovenia, which managed only two.
[RELATED STORY: Team USA bucks slow start, knocks out Slovenia for FIVB Worlds quarterfinal berth]
“Serving is one of my strongest points,” Garcia said after the match.
“I like to go out there, take a deep breath, and give myself that confidence to either put in a really good serve so our block-defense can work — or make them pay for it. Just being calm and confident helps me do my job.”
Team USA vs Slovenia: A battle from the start
Garcia admitted that Slovenia’s grit tested Team USA early, which caused them to drop the opener.
Still, the Americans were quick to recover, finding the right game plan to take down the Slovenians.
“We knew it was going to be a really tough team,” the 26-year-old opposite said.
“We’re a little bit younger and less experienced, so we knew we’d struggle in some areas, especially in the first set. But we were ready for a battle from the start. It was a long game, even if it ended in four sets.”
Gabi Garcia also hurls 15 attacks in his game-best 26 points for Team USA. | Photo: Volleyball World
[RELATED STORY: FIVB President Fabio Azevedo hails Philippines’ hosting of World Champion: ‘10 out of 10’]
Gabi Garcia inspired by the Manila crowd
Needing no further motivation, Garcia and the rest of Team USA were given a huge push by the 4,734-strong spectators — their largest crowd in the tournament so far.
“The crowd is amazing. Every play, they’re on it: screaming, supporting us whether we’re down or up,” Garcia said.
“Playing here is like playing at home. We feel the love, for sure.”
[ALSO READ: TICKET GUIDE | Prices slashed 50% for FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship matches]
With the win, Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals for the third straight time.
There, it will face another crowd favorite in Bulgaria led by the Nikolov brothers Thursday, Sept. 25.
—
Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA and various international tournaments.