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United States undefeated, Canada and Cuba 2-1 at Olympic Qualifier
October 3, 2023.- United States beat Türkiye in four sets, Canada lost a
five-set thriller to Poland, Cuba swept Czechnia and Mexico lost to
China at the FIVB Road to Paris Olympic Qualifier on Tuesday.
Watch the FIVB Road to Paris Volleyball Qualifiers live on VBTV
The tournament runs until October 8. The top two teams from each pool
will qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.
United States lost its first set, but the team outlasted Türkiye 3-1
(25-17, 26-28, 32-30, 25-20) to stay undefeated.
On Wednesday morning, USA (3-0) will play Tunisia (0-3) The U.S. and
Slovenia are currently the only two undefeated teams in Pool B.
USA led Türkiye in kills (63-49), blocks (13-7) and aces (9-3). The
United States scored 23 points on Türkiye errors but gave up 36.
Outside hitter Aaron Russell led all scorers with 25 points on 20 kills,
two blocks and three aces. DeFalco scored 21 points on 15 kills, one
ace, a match-high five blocks and team-high 10 digs. Middle blocker Max
Holt had 10 points on seven kills and three aces.
In a five-set showdown with the world-ranked number-one team, Canada
came up short in the tight tie-break set for the teams first loss in
Pool C in Xian, China. Poland won 3-2 (21-25, 25-20, 25-20, 20-25,
17-15).
Though Poland led in attack points (62-51), Canada had the slight
advantage in blocking (13-12) and service aces (6-5). Poland lost more
points to errors (35-29) as they attempted to put pressure on Canada.
Stephen Maar was again strong for Canada with 20 points followed by
teammates Eric Loeppky with 16 points, Arthur Szwarc (11) and Jordan
Schnitzer (10).
Next, Canada plays host China on Wednesday, who beat Mexico, the other
NORCECA team in Pool C, 25-21, 25-9, 25-19. Mexico remaines without wins
(0-3) and faces Poland next.
Cuba improved 2-1 in Pool A in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, beating Czechia
3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-21).
On Wednesday, Cuba plays Qatar (0-3). Italy leads the group 3-0
Cuba led in kills 49-28 and in serves 5-2. Czechia held an 8-4 advantage
in blocks. Cuba benefited from 28 opponent errors and committed 18.
Cuban Jesús Herrera led all scorers with 16 points from kills. Miguel
Angel Lopez and Marlon Yant contributed 14 and 13 points respectively.
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