Mueller Leads USA to Fourth Place at U-20 Worlds

Incoming freshman Tara Mueller helped the U.S. Junior National Volleyball team to a fourth-place finish at the FIVB U-20 World Championships in Thailand on Friday.

Mueller, who started all seven matches at libero, ranked third among all tournament players in digs with 36 and eighth in serve reception percentage, as Team USA earned its best finish at the U-20 World Championships. Before this year, Team USA’s best finish at the event was a fifth-place showing at the inaugural event in 1977.

The U.S. tied China for first place in Pool A before losing to eventual gold medalist Brazil in the semifinals on Thursday. Team USA narrowly missed out on its first-ever medal at the U-20 World Championships, falling to Japan Friday morning in five sets, including a 25-23 setback in the finale.

Mueller, who was enrolled in the first summer session at Nebraska in June, will join the Huskers when they report for fall camp on Monday, Aug. 6. The Huskers’ first practice is set for Wednesday, Aug. 8, with Media Day scheduled for Friday, Aug. 10.

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