United States Earns Second Victory, Cuba Falls for the Second
Time
June 12, 2026.- The United States secured its second victory of
the opening week of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in
Pool 1, in Ottawa, Canada, while Cuba suffered its second defeat
in Pool 3, taking place in Linyi, China.
USA Wins Its Second Match in the Men’s VNL
The United States had no trouble defeating Germany 3-0 (25-22,
25-15, 25-20) to claim its second victory in the Men’s VNL and
remain undefeated in the young tournament.
The win moved the Americans into first place in the overall
standings with a 2-0 record and six points (six sets won and one
lost), ahead of Brazil, which also holds a 2-0 record and six
points but has won six sets and lost two.
Jake Hanes led the United States throughout the match. The
opposite hitter finished with five blocks and 14 attack points
for a total of 19 points, becoming the only American player to
reach double digits in kills.
In team statistics, the United States outperformed Germany in
attacks (41-27) and blocks (9-2), with Hanes contributing five
of those blocks. The Europeans were more effective from the
service line, leading 4-2 in aces. In unforced errors, the
United States committed 24 while Germany recorded 23.
Cuba Loses to Ukraine
Cuba dropped its second match in as many outings, this time
falling to Ukraine, whose offense proved too strong for the
Caribbean squad in a 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-20, 25-16).
Outside hitter Miguel González was the only Cuban player to
reach double digits in scoring. He finished with 14 points,
including one block and one ace.
Cuba held the advantage in service aces (3-2), but Ukraine
dominated the other team statistics, leading in attacks (40-35)
and blocks (9-4). The Ukrainians also benefited from Cuba’s 24
unforced errors, while committing only 15 themselves.
The loss dropped Cuba to 18th place in the overall standings
with an 0-2 record. The team has yet to earn a point in the
competition.
Schedule for Saturday, June 13
In Ottawa, Canada (Local Time) - Canada vs. United States –
16:00
In Linyi, China (Local Time) - Cuba vs. Slovenia – 20:00
