The United States qualified for the 2010 FIVB World Championships in Italy with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-15) victory over Dominican Republic on Monday at the Bren Center on the campus of UC Irvine.

“Obviously the No. 1 goal was to qualify for the World Championships,” said U.S. Head Coach Alan Knipe, currently on leave from Long beach State. “But I thought along the way we played some really good volleyball.”

The United States’ Evan Patak was named the tournament Most Valuable Player. Jose Caceres of the Dominican Republic won the Best Scorer award. Sean Rooney of the United States was named Best Spiker. Team USA’s David Smith was named the Best Blocker. Evan Patak of the United States won Best Server. Rich Lambourne took Best Libero, Best Digger and Best Receiver. Donald Suxho was named Best Setter.

Patak led all scorers on Monday with 16 points on 10 kills, a match-high five aces and one block. Rooney added 15 points on 12 kills and three aces. David Lee, a Long Beach State alum, scored 12 points on eight kills, a match-high three blocks and one ace.