With a nod to bettering international relations, a U.S. team took the first International Volleyball Tournament in a final-round win over the Turkish team.

"It was a very tough match," said Bilal Muhammad Khan, publicity officer of the International Student Council.

Captain Moris Metin Guvenis of the Turkish Student Association said he was pleased by the conduct of his team and also of the U.S. team -- "The Demolitions."

"A good atmosphere was maintained throughout the tournament," he said.

Lasting for about nine hours, Khan said the University event hosted an unexpected 15 teams of international and U.S. students. Some teams were rejected due to time restraints, he added.

"People are enjoying themselves. That's what it's all about," said Abbas Aminmansour, president of ISC.

The tournament follows last semester's multi-cultural soccer match.

Team Captain Moez Salah of the Tunisian Students Association -- who lost to the Turkish team in the semifinals -- said the tournament promoted positive social interaction between the international and U.S. students.

"(Volleyball) is for everybody. An event like this is for both international and American students," Salah said.

"It's a good chance to intermix with other cultures," said Kevin Burns (senior-architectural engineering), who was playing for the Arts and Architecture Interest House.

Guvenis said volleyball was a good sport to play due to the friendly nature of the game.

"It could create an atmosphere of more social interaction," he added.

The winning team will receive free T-shirts commemorating the event and will also have their names announced in an advertisement in The Daily Collegian, said Khan.

Money received from the T-shirt sales and the registration fees may be used to purchase a trophy or wall plaque for the winning team, he said.

"Future ISC officers should make it a regular event," said Aminmansour.