VNL: France gets boost from returning star, sweeps QC leg
FIVB PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Earvin Ngapeth and Stephen Boyer lifted France past Germany, 25-16, 25-19, 19-25, 25-21, to complete a four-game sweep of the Quezon City leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ngapeth, who sat out on Saturday’s win over Japan, returned to action with 18 points built on 16 attacks and two blocks and had nine digs and four receptions to cap their Philippine leg on a high note.
Stephen Boyer was also instrumental with 16 points and six digs as the French Spikers gained the solo lead winning seven of their eight matches before heading to Osaka, Japan for Week 3.
“It’s always good to win. It’s not the good way but it’s okay. We have to restart in the fourth set and the most important is the victory. We will gonna rest and travel. Our next stop is our games in Japan and just continue to go on our way,” said Boyer.
World No. 3 France managed to bag its fourth victory on Philippine soil despite giving up 38 errors. Yacine Louati chipped in 13 points, while Quentin Jouffroy scattered six attacks, three blocks, and three aces for 12 markers.
Germany, on the other hand, slid to 3-5, losing all its four games in the Quezon City leg.
Linus Weber led the Germans with 16 points, while Lukas Maase added eight points including three blocks. Despite a winless Week 2, their young squad still had a great time in the country.
“What can I say, the best thing to do is playing good volleyball. Let’s make a good show and if they like us, they enjoyed the show,” said Weber.
Germany will also see action in Osaka for the final week.
