Canada overcame Japan for a big statement win in the opening day of the 2024 VNL Manila Leg.
Canada is off to a rousing start in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila Leg after stunning Japan in five sets, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 25-20, 15-10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Tuesday, June 18.
The 12th-ranked Canadians, who bounced back from their four-set defeat against Serbia last June 11, matched the 3rd-ranked Japan’s intensity all throughout the match, with outside hitter Stephen Maar delivering timely attacks to help seal the huge win for his team.
In the fifth set, the Canadians leaned on their strong start to give themselves a slim lead over the Japanese.
And while Japan tried to muster a comeback, Canada’s blocking prowess proved to be too much as Danny Demyanenko and Arthur Szwarc combined for four straight points to give them a 12-7 advantage.
Maar and Fynnian McCarthy put the finishing touches to give Canada an impressive victory in the VNL.
Maar finished with 24 points on 22 attacks and two service aces, while Szwarc and Eric Loeppky had 15 markers apiece.
Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa led Japan with 19 points apiece in the loss.
Up next for Canada will be the 11th-ranked Germany on Thursday, June 20, while Japan will face the 13th-ranked Netherlands on Friday, June 21.