Tag: Manila

USA stars rave about VNL Manila stint, relish Filipino crowd

On: By: admin


USA’s Taylor Averill during a game against Japan in the VNL Manila leg.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philipines — Having a blast in their first time playing in Manila in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) was an understatement for USA stars Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji.

Averill, who expressed his love to Filipino fans on his social media posts, even wore a Team Philippines jacket during the warmup of their match against Japan, which beat them in straight sets on Sunday in front of 12,000 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.

“I’m so honored. This is the coolest jacket. Such a cool token to have of appreciation and I’m blessed to wear it,” said Averill, only one of two starters along with Shoji who played in the US’ final game in Manila.

READ: VNL 2024: USA star Taylor Averill wants to come back, explore PH

“I’m blessed again for the fans that came out. You guys don’t understand. In the States we don’t get this kind of love for what we do so it means a lot to me. I don’t take it for granted.”

Despite Team USA not making it to the Final Eight with a 5-7 record, the American middle blocker was thrilled to experience the Filipinos’ love for volleyball.

Erik Shoji Team USA VNL 2024 Manila

Team USA’s Erik Shoji.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m so excited to come back here. I’ve had way too much fun here. The volleyball community here is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’m just so grateful. I don’t know how many. Apparently, it was sold out. Definitely sounded like it. I had a blast. It was so much fun,” said Averill. “I don’t know how many more times I can say it. I freaking love it here. I don’t want to leave. Thanks guys. Appreciate it.”

Shoji also savored the chance to meet the men’s and women’s players of Alas Pilipinas.

READ: VNL 2024: Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

“It’s the best experience that I think we’ve had in the VNL in a while. Obviously, we wanted to win but the crowd was awesome and It was a stretch game for both teams as you can see but, Japan was a little bit better than us,” the American libero said. “The atmosphere was really intense so we’re hoping for a crowd like this one in here in Manila when we play in Paris.”

Averill urges the Filipino fans to continue supporting Team USA in the Paris Olympics and hopes to reunite with them in the FIVB Men’s World Championship in 2025

“Don’t be afraid to support us from afar this Olympics. We would appreciate your support. Otherwise, we’ll see you guys next year. Thank you so much. I love you guys,” he said.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Japan beats USA for first time in Manila finale

On: By: admin


Japan’s Kento Miyaura flexes his muscles during a game against USA in the VNL 2024 in Manila.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — With both teams fielding their bench in a much-anticipated final game in Manila, Japan got the better of USA, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, to end the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on a high note before an ecstatic 12,424 crowd on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Japan coach Philippe Blain may have rested his starters led by captain Yuki Ishikawa and Yuji Nishida but Kento Miyaura sustained his fine play and powered the Japanese second unit for their first win against the Americans in their 19th meeting in the FIVB.

Miyaura, who was a revelation in their five-set comeback over France on Saturday, showed the way with 18 points including five aces to seal their entry to the Final Eight in Poland after finishing with a 9-3 record.

READ: VNL 2024: Kento Miyaura steps up for Takahashi-less Japan in crucial win

The Japanese willed their way back from a 13-17 deficit in the third set with Miyaura scoring four straight points, highlighted by three aces to give them a 24-19 lead before Kai Masato nailed the game-winning hit.

“Today I was the top scorer but sometimes we are in a difficult moment so I tried to find a solution. I had many mistakes in spiking but [I kept on trying] I’m happy to win this,” said Miyaura, who was coming off a 19-point effort in their five-set win over France less than 24 hours ago.

Trailing 22-23 in the second set, Japan fought back with Shoma Tomita nailing an off-the-block hit for the equalizer before Kyle Ensing put them at set point after an attack error. Miyaura drilled their third straight point to complete a comeback and take a 2-0 lead.

READ: VNL 2024: Yuki Ishikawa, Japan rally past Olympic champion France

Masato also turned heads with 16 points built on 12 spikes and four aces, while Taishi Onodera and Larry Ik Evbade-Dan delivered eight points each.

Miyaura thanked the Filipino fans for supporting them every game as the Japanese will bring home another precious memory in their third Manila stint before heading to the final round and the Paris Olympics next month.

“The Filipino fans are pushing us many times. Also, Filipino fans love volleyball. They are making a very nice atmosphere,” he said. 

“The last game was a very difficult game but we won the game so this experience [will help me] in the Olympics.”

After reaching the final last year and settling for a runner-up finish, USA didn’t make it to the Final Eight with a 5-7 record, splitting its four matches in its first Manila leg.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Micah Christenson only played late in the third set, as American stars Matt Anderson, and TJ Defalco sat out with Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji being the remaining starters in the match.

Ensing led USA with 14 points, while Averill and Jordan Ewert added eight points before shifting their focus to the Olympic games in France.

Experience makes USA’s Manila stint a ‘great success’

On: By: admin


USA huddles during a timeout in a VNL 2024 game against Japan.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Team USA captain Micah Christenson had a first Manila trip to remember despite the Americans missing the Final Eight of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

The United States wrapped up its campaign in Manila with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 loss to Japan in a much-awaited clash between the two fan favorites played before an ecstatic 12,424 crowd at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday night.

The Americans, last year’s runners-up will miss the Final Eight with a 5-7 record, but Christenson and his teammates will bring great memories with them as they head back home and gear up for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

READ: VNL 2024: Japan beats USA for first time in Manila finale

“Incredible. It was capped off with an incredible crowd, the last game up here in Manila so, wish we could’ve made it a little longer of a match, but at the same time it was good volleyball, it was really good volleyball out there on the court,” said the star setter, who only played late in the third set as both squads decided to rest most of their key cogs.

“I’m really proud of our guys and how we fought and how we battled. So now, we’re just gonna keep learning from our experience but, our trip in Manila was a great success based on our experience.”

American stars Matt Anderson and TJ Defalco sat the game out as Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji were the remaining starters in the match.

Still, Christenson praised Japan for its solid showing with Kento Miyaura stepping up big time. 

“We showed our level in a lot of the sets, but towards the end of the sets, Japan really turned their serving pressure on especially, Miyaura, at the end of at least the last two sets, he came in with some really big serves,” he said.

READ: VNL 2024: USA posts second straight win ahead of Japan clash

The Americans may have missed the Final Eight in Poland after splitting their four matches in Manila. But they will come home with big smiles on their faces.

Christenson and the United States now shift their focus to the Paris Games, where they hope to take home the gold.

“It’s great. We’re gonna need everybody at the Olympics, so, from the top down, we’re gonna need everybody on this team. So to be able to have the ability to give them experience in a big game, in a sold-out crowd against Japan is a wonderful experience,” he said 



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Canada sweeps Manila leg but coach wants more

On: By: admin


Stephen Maar and Canada celebrate a point against Netherlands in the VNL.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Canada may have swept four matches in the Manila Leg to book a spot in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Final Eight but it wasn’t perfect for coach Tuomas Sammelvuo as he urges his wards to stay hungry.

Canada turned to Stephen Maar and Eric Loeppky to seal a spot in the Final Eight after overcoming the Netherlands in five sets, 21-25, 25-22, 28-26, 14-25, 15-9, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

But coach Sammelvuo said they won’t stop working on their lapses, which were still exploited by the Netherlands, led by the league’s top scorer Nimir Abdel-Aziz.

READ: VNL 2024: As Paris Olympics nears, Canada focused on improvement

“It’s never perfect but of course four wins, huge performance from the players. I’m very happy for them and we qualified for the Final Eight. That’s amazing,” said the Finnish coach of Canada. “I think we got confidence after a few wins and now we finished the end part of VNL with eight wins. That’s very very good. Now we focus on the Final Eight, we’ll keep on practicing and get ready for the quarterfinals.”

Maar powered the Canadians with 18 points off 15 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Loeppky delivered the goods anew with 14 points, while Xander Ketrzynski and Lucas Van Berkel added nine points each. 

“Fourth game in five days, five-setter, crazy environment, we wanted that win so bad and so did they. They wanted to win for him and we wanted to win for us. It went to be a really tough match mentally and also physically,” said Loeppky. “I think we needed this game. We really needed to be put in a tough situation to be able to come together and win as a team I think that’s huge for us. This one was tough, so it’s really important for us moving forward because all we have left is the Final Eight and the Olympics so all those games are going to be like this.”

READ: VNL 2024: Canada sweeps Germany for back-to-back wins

Sammelvuo was happy for his players’ improvement after finishing the preliminary round as the No.4 seed with an 8-4 record as they will also play in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“We have improved I think we’re qualified in the Olympic games and last October was a big step for us in terms of confidence. After that many players had a very good season in their clubs and we have been working, being humble and trying to improve. We’ll never stop,” said the Canada coach, who is also eyeing to return in Manila for the FIVB World Championship next year. 

“Amazing. Good crowd. Next year, the world championship is here. So I hope we’ll come back here,” he added.

 The Netherlands ended up winless in Manila with a 3-9 record despite another 37-point explosion from Abdel-Aziz highlighted by six aces. Maarten Van Garderen had 17 points.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Japan’s Ran Takahashi leaves Manila to treat knee injury

On: By: admin


FILE–Japan’s Ran Takahashi during a VNL 2024 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Japan star Ran Takahashi has already departed Manila to treat his nagging knee injury especially the Paris Olympics just a little over a month away, according to Philippine National Volleyball Federation Tats Suzara.

Takahashi on Friday was shut down for the remainder of the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) and was replaced by Shoma Tomita in the lineup. The Japan Volleyball Association didn’t announce the reason for the switch.

Despite his absence, Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa carried Japan to a 25-18, 25-19, 25-20 win over the Netherlands Friday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

READ: Japan star Ran Takahashi out for remainder of VNL 2024

The two players respectfully refused to give more details about Takahashi’s injury but Ishikawa lauded Tatsunori Otsuka, who stepped up with eight points to fill in the void left by their teammate.

Team Japan's Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the VNL Week 3 in Manila

Team Japan’s Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa in the VNL Week 3 in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I cannot say for the team but we have to play without him. And Otsuka was playing well, so we are so happy, and when someone [has an] injury, we have to play always. So we have a single body,” said Ishikawa, who dropped 15 points off 12 kills, two aces, and a block.

Nishida, who led the Japanese with 16 points, wished Takahashi well.

“This happened, so I hoped that he would come back but it is the situation and it’s more important to have that mentality. Maybe, we were a little bit nervous, I think the guys are keeping the motivation and energy,” Nishida said.

READ: VNL: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

“I hope that [Ran] will come back much better at his game and join the team. So, it’s not so long before the Olympics, so, [he’s not in a hurry]. But keep improving step-by-step, for the important games. “

Japan, which improved to a 7-3 record, wraps up its campaign against France on Saturday before battling USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.

“[We have] two more different games coming. But I think we’re at a point where we’re like enjoying [playing] volleyball. So for us to win, [the goal] isn’t like this anymore but it’s more important to enjoy the game. So I keep this mindset like this [for the weekend],” Nishida said.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Team USA overcomes Brazil for first win in Manila

On: By: admin


Team USA’s TJ Defalco goes for a hit during a VNL 2024 game in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — TJ Defalco connected to Micah Christenson’s brilliant playmaking as USA earned its first win in Manila after staving off Brazil in five sets,  25-21, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25, 15-9, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on Thursday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Defalco delivered 21 points including the two game-clinching attacks, as Christenson orchestrated USA’s offense with 41 excellent sets to keep themselves in the hunt for the Final Eight with a 4-6 record in 11th place. 

The 27-year-old Defalco also led the Americans’ bounce back from a tough 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, 15-13 loss to Iran less than 24 hours ago as his 33-point explosion went for naught. 

READ: VNL 2024: Team USA’s Erik Shoji lauds ‘awesome’ Filipino fans

“That one was tough. We’re in an interesting part right now in USA volleyball. We just come out of every game trying to get better and just trying to play USA volleyball. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re figuring it out and that was a big step for us,” said Defalco, who had 18 kills and three aces.

“Coming out of playing Brazil, you know they’re gonna play hard every single time, and I’m very proud of our team staying in the game. We helped each other out. Brazil’s an amazing team and it feels great to barely pull that one out in five.”

Micah Christenson and Torey Defalco in Team USA's first win in VNL Week 3 in Manila

Micah Christenson and Torey Defalco in Team USA’s first win in VNL Week 3 in Manila. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Maxwell Holt finished with 15 points built on nine attacks, four blocks, and two aces that gave USA an 11-6 lead before Defalco put on the finishing touches.

Matt Anderson chipped in 13 points, while Taylor Averill added 11 points to gift their thousands of Filipino fans with a win.

READ: VNL 2024: Micah Christenson, USA grateful for fans’ support in loss

“Very intense five sets against Brazil. They’re always there to come out and play as hard as they can. Our only hope is to match that energy and I feel like we did that tonight,” Defalco said. “A lot of the USA guys are very friendly with Team Brazil because one, they compete really hard when they come to play. Real volleyball all the time. So, it’s very easy to compete and try to get to that level, and they’re at a very high level.”

Defalco also thanked the Filipino fans, who made them feel at home before they take a break on Friday before ending their Week 3 stint against Germany and Japan over the weekend.

Brazil remained as the fourth seed despite dropping to a 6-4 record. Alan Souza carried the team with 26 points. Lukas Bergmann had 19 points, while Lucarelli Souza added 13 points.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Brazil seeks to bounce back against Canada at 3 p.m. on Friday

VNL 2024 Week 3 Manila June 19

On: By: admin


 VNL 2024 schedule June 19

3pm – Germany vs France
7pm – Iran vs USA

FULL SCHEDULE HERE.

VNL Week 3 Update: Germany vs France

Reigning Olympic champion France and world no. 11 Germany open the June 19 double head of VNL Week 3.

Alas Pilipinas holds a meet and greet ahead of VNL games

Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s teams are ready to meet the fans at MOA Arena ahead of the VNL Week 3 games today.

VNL 2024: Ran Takahashi, Japan seek improvement after loss to Canada

Japan during the VNL in Manila against Canada.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ran Takahashi and Yuji Nishida vowed to bounce back after fan favorite Japan fell short against Canada in five sets in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 opener on Tuesday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

Energized by the roaring Philippine crowd, Japan fought back from a 1-2 match deficit but still yielded to Canada, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10, dropping to a 6-3 record still in sixth place. FULL STORY



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

TAGS:

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

VNL 2024 Week 3 Manila June 18

On: By: admin


 VNL 2024 schedule June 18

5pm – Netherlands vs Brazil
8:30pm –  Canada vs  Japan

FULL SCHEDULE HERE.

USA team captain Micah Christenson during a press conference ahead of the VNL Week 3 in Manila. –PNVF PHOTO

VNL 2024 schedule: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg

MANILA, Philippines — Team USA braces for a tough climb to the Final Eight of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) as it plays crucial games in its first stint in Manila for Week 3.

All eyes are on the Americans as they play at Mall of Asia Arena for the first time in the Philippines’ third straight hosting of the prestigious world tournament.

“It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s our first year here. We felt a lot of love online and on social media from Filipino fans so to finally be here and experience it in person is a real pleasure,” USA skipper Micah Christenson said. “We’re excited to experience it all.” FULL STORY

‘Great expectations’ ahead for Japan in VNL Manila leg

VNL men's volleyball

Team captains and coaches who will be participating in the VNL men’s volleyball
competition that will be held in MOA Arena in Pasay City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Yuki Ishikawa and Japan are elated to play in Manila for the third time in a row in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2024 Week 3 starting Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Japanese men’s volleyball team, the fan-favorite of Filipinos, resumes its VNL campaign against Canada at 8:30 p.m. after the Netherlands and Brazil’s match at 5 p.m.

“We are so happy to be here again. We played for the last two years and we are doing well. This week is very important for us because, after our pool matches, we have the (VNL) finals and the Olympic Games,” said Ishiwaka, who will play in the Paris Olympics 2024. “Our goal is we’ll take good lessons to the Olympic Games. We’ll do well this weekend.” FULL STORY



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Read Next

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.

Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.

TAGS:

For feedback, complaints, or inquiries, contact us.

Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg

On: By: admin


FILE–Crowd shot during a VNL game at Mall of Asia Arena. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The Philippines is scheduled to a week of  FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) for the straight year from June 18 to 23 at Mall of Asia Arena.

Reigning Olympic champion France (world No. 7), fan favorites Japan (No. 3) and USA (No. 5) headline the Week 3 cast in Manila with No. 4 Brazil, No. 11 Germany, No. 12 Canada, No. 13 The Netherlands and No. 17 Iran.

READ: Fan favorites USA, Japan arrive for VNL in Manila

All games are at the Mall of Asia Arena.

France, Japan, Brazil) and Canada are all inside Top 8 of the VNL standings after two legs with reigning world champion Italy, Slovenia and Poland leading the race so fa.

Germany, USA, the Netherlands and Team USA take 11th, 12th, 13th, and 16th places respectively as they aim to climb the ladder entering the homestretch of the preliminary phase.

VNL 2024 Schedule Week 3: Manila, Philippines leg

VNL 2024 Schedule Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg

VNL 2024 schedule of games in Manila.

JUNE 18, Tuesday

  • 5pm – Netherlands vs Brazil
  • 8:30pm –  Canada vs  Japan

JUNE 19, Wednesday 

  • 4pm Germany vs France
  • 7pm Iran vs USA

JUNE 20, Thursday

  • 11 am – Germany vs  Canada — 11:00 a.m.
  • 4pm – Iran vs Netherlands
  • 7pm – Brazil vs USA

JUNE 21, Friday

  • 11am – Iran vs  France
  • 4pm – Canada vs Brazil
  • 7pm – Netherlands vs  Japan

JUNE 22, Saturday

  • 11am – Germany vs  USA
  • 4pm – Canada vs  Netherlands
  • 7pm – France vs Japan

JUNE 23, Sunday

  • 11am – Germany vs  Iran
  • 4pm – France vs  Brazil
  • 7pm – Japan vs USA

Paris Olympics slots could be on the line at VNL

The Top 8 teams after the preliminary phase will qualify for the VNL Final Round in Poland from June 27-30.

With top world teams competing in the VNL– the last volleyball tournament before the Paris Olympics–there could be implications for the qualifying points for the upcoming Summer Games in July.

READ:  VNL: A primer on a world-class tournament



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

Five spots based on the FIVB World Rankings are still up for grabs with only seven countries – host France, Germany, Brazil, USA, Japan, Poland and Canada – having booked their Olympic seats so far.