UNBEATEN. Players from Canada celebrate after prevailing over Brazil, 26-24, 25-19, 26-24, in the Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday (June 21, 2024). The Canadians are unbeaten in three outings in the ongoing leg. (Photo courtesy of VNL)
MANILA – Canada rolled to its third straight win at the expense of Brazil, 26-24, 25-19, 26-24, in the Men's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday.
Outside hitter Eric Loeppky delivered 21 points on 16 hits, three service aces and two blocks for Canada, which earlier conquered crowd-favorite Japan (25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10) and Germany (25-19, 25-18, 25-21).
Stephen Timothy Maar chipped in 12 points -- all on attacks -- while opposite Arthur Szwarc added 11 points as the Canadians wrapped up the match in one hour and 32 minutes for an overall 7-4 slate.
Opposite Darlan Ferreira Souza was the only double-digit scorer for the Brazilians, producing 10 attacks and two service aces.
Outside hitter Yoandy Leal and middle blocker Lucas Saalkamp had nine attacks each.
Earlier, world No. 7 France snapped Iran's winning run, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20.
Opposite spiker Jean Patry finished with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks and an ace for the reigning Olympic champion which took solo fourth place at 7-3.
Slovenia (9-1), Italy (8-2) and reigning champion Poland (7-2) pace the tournament.
Iran, on the other hand, was led by Milad Ebadipour Ghara, who had 10 attacks.
The Iranians, who scored victories over the Dutch (25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-10) and world' No. 6 Americans (28, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, 15-13), slid to 2-9.
The top eight teams in the Preliminary Phase will advance to the Final Phase which will be held in Lodz, Poland on June 27 to 30.
Except for Iran and the Netherlands, competing teams in the Manila leg have qualified for the Paris Olympics scheduled July 26 to Aug. 11. (PNA)
