Cuba Defeats Olympic Champion

OTTAWA, Canada, June 8, 2024.- Cuba defeated Olympic Champion France 3-2 (25-18, 20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-10) in the second week of the Volleyball Nations League in Ottawa.

Cuba's victory boosts their chances of making it to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, although the decisive match will be the first game of the final week against Serbia. Cuba has a 4-4 record.

Volleyball Nations League 2024: schedule and results

Cuba's outside hitters were the stars of the match; Marlon Yant led with 23 points (19 attacks, 3 blocks, one ace), while Miguel Ángel López contributed 21 points (16 attacks, 2 blocks, 3 aces). Middle blocker Javier Concepción added 14 points.

Opposite Théo Faure, with 20 points, was France’s top scorer, with 20 attacks and 3 aces. He was joined by outside hitter Timothée Carle, who scored 20 points (18 attacks, 2 blocks).

Cuba led in blocking 13-7 and committed fewer unforced errors 22-29. France led in attacking 64-60.