Williams-Prosser Fall in Bronze Medal Match
August 25, 2004 | Bruin Athletics
Aug. 25, 2004
The 15th-seeded Australian team of Mark Williams (UCLA '01) and Julien Prosser nearly upset their Swiss opponents in the bronze medal match Thursday of the Athens Olympics. Switzerland's Patrick Heuscher and Stefan Kobel outlasted the Australians 19-21, 21-17, 15-13 in 61 minutes at the Olympic Beach Volleyball Centre. "I thought we had a chance to win, especially after the first set" said Williams, who recorded a match-high 25 kills and four blocks. "I'm obviously disappointed because this is the Olympic Games." The Swiss team led 14-11 in the third set only to watch the Australians keep two furious rallies alive to close to within 14-13. After another exciting rally at match point, Heuscher put away the final point on a lob shot to the open court. "It was unbelievable; a great fight," said Heuscher. Williams and Prosser became the first Australian men's team to advance to the medal round in Olympic Beach Volleyball competition.