Canada’s Stephen Maar. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Canada turned back China, 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18, in the Volleyball Nations League at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Sunday.
After failing to salvage the first set, the Canadians kept their composure to earn just their third win against nine losses in the VNL.
“My words in the timeout after that [first set] was just to know what we’re capable of. That first set gave us a chance to settle into the game and of course, we have a great coaching staff and they have a really good plan for us,” Stephen Maar said after leading Canada with 20 points.
“If we could just settle on that plan, we could be successful and that’s what happened.”
Canada took control of the third set early, stretching a 12-8 cushion to a commanding 21-13 lead.
With momentum on its side, Canada kept its foot on the gas pedal to finish off China, which dropped to 2-10 in the tournament.
Ryan Sclater also collated 20 points for Canada while the duo of Danny Demyanenko and Nicholas Hoag chipped in 12 each.
Jingyin Zhang’s stellar outing of 25 points wasn’t enough to will China to victory.