FILE–Canada’s Danny Demyanenko during a VNL 2024 Week 3 game at Mall of Asia Arena. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Canada earned its second straight win in Manila after dominating Germany, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21, to bolster its Final Eight chances in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 on Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Buoyed by its five-set win over fan favorite Japan two days ago, Stephen Maar and Arthur Swarc dropped 15 points each to lift Canada to fifth place with a 6-4 record.
“I think we did a good job in serving and passing today. Our team had pretty flawless volleyball,” said Maar after nailing 14 kills. “Germany gave some good fight in the end and I think we handled it really well, so I’m happy for the team.”
VNL 2024 SCHEDULE: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg
In Maar’s second time in the Philippines, he’s glad that he is now in better shape to play in front of Filipino fans.
“This is my second time in the Philippines. Last year, I was struggling a lot physically with my body. Obviously, it’s a long travel to come here so it’s not so easy sometimes. This year, we were able to be a bit more prepared and I think that’s really helping start off our week, so I’m really happy [and] grateful for all our medical staff who did a really good job,” the Canadian spiker said.
Sward had 11 kills, two blocks, and a pair of aces. Setter Luke Herr paced the Canadians, as Eric Loeppky added 11 points to stave off Germany’s last-ditch effort in the third set.
READ: VNL 2024: Canada denies fan favorite Japan in five sets
Canada eyes its third win in Manila against No.4 Brazil (6-3) on Friday at 3 p.m. The Brazilians still have a game against USA on Thursday evening before their crucial match.
“Brazil is obviously another gifted team, technically. Probably a bit more similar to Japan, they’re quite skilled in passing and blocking,” Maar said. “I think we’re gonna have to watch our game back, see what went well, what didn’t go well, see what we can do better to beat Brazil.”
Germany couldn’t sustain its momentum from a 25-23, 25-27, 25-20, 25-23 win over France less than 24 hours ago as it slid to a 4-6 record in 11th place.
György Grozer, who scored 21 points against France, sat out. Moritz Karlitzek stepped up for the Germans with 13 points.
Germany battles USA on Saturday at 11 a.m.