Miles Partain/Andy Benesh, the youngest U.S. beach volleyball team in history, lost to Noslen Diaz/Jorge Alayo of Cuba in straight sets to start Pool D play on the men's side.
Alayo overwhelmed the Americans with his power at times in the first set, and while Benesh found some success blocking the 6-foot-6 Cuban at the net, it wasn't enough.
Cuba fed off the crowd late in the first set, winning a tide-shifting rally to take a 17-16 lead. Diaz/Alayo built on that lead to take the first set 21-18.
More of the same occurred in the second set, as Alayo/Diaz were the more tactical and efficient team throughout the match. Cuba won the second set 21-18 yet again.
Partain said he was "disappointed" by the loss but is already looking forward.
"We are ready to move on to the next game," Partain said. "Benesh really was supportive and I thought we had good energy. A little bit (of nerves)."
Benesh discussed how the strong crowd support for Cuba impacted the game.
“We had a lot of energy between us," Benesh said. "They are a little more outward, they are good at playing with the crowd...We are a little more low key but our energy between us was really good. He had my back and I had his back."
Meanwhile on the Cuban side, Diaz explained how the two were able to come back after being down in the opening set.
"We decided to go stronger with the service, change the strategy to play a more basic game," Diaz said. "Then my partner could do a much better job and set me for the defense."
Alayo praised his teammate following the match.
"For me, my partner is everything," Alayo said. "He was exceptional. I am very, very proud of what he always does and the strength he brings on to the field. Then we can do what we like to do, which is give a great show on the field of play."
Diaz/Alayo were ranked No. 12 in the world heading into a the Games, and proved to be a strong test for Partain/Benesh to start Pool D.