Canada takes Slovenia to five sets
May 25, 2024.- Canada's men's team wrapped up the first week of
Volleyball Nations League 2024 in Antalya, Türkiye, on Saturday with a
five-set loss to Slovenia.
After the long battle, the score was Slovenia
3, Canada 2 (22-25, 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 15-10).
Canada’s record is 2-2 after week one, and Slovenia is undefeated with
one match to go in Antalya.
Though Slovenia led in most areas – attack (66-57), aces (11-3) and had
fewer errors (22-27) – Canada was able to dominate in blocking (14-4)
points.
Opposite Tonček Štern of Slovenia was the winning team top scorer with
23 points; while Stephen Maar of Canada topped the board with 27 points
(which included three of Canada’s successful blocking points.)
Setter Luke Herr told VBTV: "It was really a battle out there, back and
forth, and we didn’t come on top today. Any team we play in VNL is going
to be a difficult game and we just come out every match and give it our
all. It was a good match overall."
Slovenia is ranked 7th in the World Rankings but is still in the hunt
for an Olympic spot. Canada is ranked 12th and is already qualified for
the Paris 2024 Olympics after the team’s second-place performance in the
Olympic Qualifier pool last year. |