Canada defeats Japan in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League

Team Canada has improved to a record of five wins and four losses in 2024 Volleyball Nations League action in Manila, Philippines. On Tuesday, Canada defeated Japan 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10.

In front of a pro-Japan crowd, Canada won a thrilling match that lasted two hours and four minutes. Three Canadians reached double figures in points. Outside hitter Stephen Maar of Aurora, Ontario had 24 points (22 attack points and two aces). Arthur Szwarc of Toronto, Ontario had 15 points (12 attack points, two block points and one ace), and outside hitter Eric Loeppky of Steinbach, Manitoba had 15 points (13 attack points and two block points).

But led Canada with 22 attack points and two aces. Middle blockers Pearson Eshenko of Banff, Alberta, and Danny Demyanenko of Toronto led Canada with three blocking points.

An interesting part of the match was the fact that Canada was the underdog even when they were in the lead and the match was tied. Throughout the entire battle, Japan had 61% to beat Canada. The loss dropped Japan to six wins and three losses.

Canada faces Germany on Wednesday evening. The Germans are at four wins and five losses. Canada is in seventh place in the preliminary round, while Germany is in ninth place. The top eight teams will reach the quarter-finals of the Nations League, which starts on June 27 in Lodz, Poland. Canada’s victory over Japan will give them confidence as they prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.