Credit: volleyballaustralia.org.au
In their second last FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League match in Rimini, Italy on Tuesday, the Volleyroos unfortunately fell short against Canada, going down in straight sets 17-25, 8-25, 20-25.
Joseph Ryan Sclater chipped in with 16 points for Canada and Stephen Timothy Maar added 13, while Oluwatobi Azeez led Australia with 10 points.
Canada are currently ranked 9th at the 16-team standings, and presented a more compact game than the Volleyroos had anticipated. After dropping the first two sets, the Volleyroos fought throughout the third to close the gap but were unable to stabilise their game.
Head Coach Marcos Miranda said the team was under pressure the entire match and were unable to gain control to produce the desired result.
“We prepared for a strong game, but Canada presented a stronger and more compact game than we expected.
“We couldn’t stop their strong serve and we were very limited in our sideout options and we were not able to stabilise to produce a good result.”
As the team prepare for their final match against the Netherlands, co-captain Nehemaih Mote is hoping the seniors can impart the spirit of the team in the generation who will lead the team next.
“Before facing the high physical demands of this tournament, we spoke as a team about what should ground our way of play: fighting for every single ball and fighting to win every rally possible.
“As we prepare for our last match, we want to bring it back to that, upholding the spirit. It is perhaps the strongest asset the seniors can impart in the hearts of our youth who will be the next to lead.”
In their last match the Volleyroos will meet the 14th ranked Netherlands side who are hoping to improve their position during their final block of matches.
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