United States leads Pool B, Canada and Cuba improve 3-1

October 4, 2023.- The United States leads Pool B, Canada and Cuba improve 3-1 after their victories on Wednesday at the FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifiers.

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United States took a quick sweep (25-11, 25-12, 25-14) over Tunisia in Tokyo, to lead the group (4-0) ahead of second place Slovenia (4-0). After getting Thursday off, the two teams will play each other on Friday.

The U.S. led Tunisia in kills (40-22), blocks (13-3) and aces (6-0). The U.S. scored 17 points on Tunisia’s errors while giving up 12 points on errors.

Kyle Ensing led all scorers with a match-high nine kills and a match-high four blocks. Thomas Jaeschke added 10 points on eight kills, one block and one ace.

Canada dashed China’s hopes of a home-court win 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 26-24) in Pool C in Xi’an, China.

Stephen Maar scored 20 points for Canada, with four coming from the service line. Teammate Eric Loeppky was again strong offensively with 17 points, and middle blocker Jordan Schnitzer made an impact with 10 points.

Canada led in attacks (49-46) and serves (5-2), but China held an advantage in blocking points (5-3).

Canada is 3-1, currently sitting in second in Pool C will have a day off and next play Bulgaria.

Cuba in Rio De Janeiro, secured their third win and passed Italy, moving up to second place with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-16) sweep of Qatar.in Pool A.  

Star outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez produced 12 points, three more than middle blocker Javier Concepcion.

Cuba’s tough serves (7-0) and 43 to 34 advantage in attacking points were key, with both teams scoring on eight blocks.

Cuba will also have a day off and will play Brazil next.

Poland beat Mexico 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-14). Mexico still has no wins in Pool C and will face Belgium next.

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