There's a new Olympic favorite in men's volleyball.

Behind the play of tournament most valuable player Lloy Ball, the United States men's team defeated Serbia 26-24, 23-25, 25-23, 25-22 at the World League finals in Rio de Janeiro. Ball, a Woodburn native and former IPFW all-American, was also named the tournament's best setter.

It's the first time the U.S. has won the tournament since it started in 1990. The Americans earned bronze medals in 2007 and 1992.

The U.S. advanced to the final by beating five-time defending World League and Olympic champion Brazil 3-0 in the semifinals on Saturday. The U.S. came into the tournament as the world's No. 3-ranked team, but the No. 1 Brazilians could not slow the U.S. offense. With Ball directing the offense, the U.S. hitters connected on 50 percent of their attempts.

Since Ball, 36, returned to the U.S. lineup last summer, the Americans are 32-4 in matches when the veteran setter starts. It's the first gold medal he has won in competition with the U.S. team.