VNL: Japan, sans Ran Takahashi, sweeps Netherlands

Missing one star in Ran Takahashi, Japan pulled off a sweep against the Netherlands, 25-18, 25-19, 25-20, on Friday in the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Yuji Nishida scored 16 points from 10 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while captain Yuki Ishikawa had 15 points from 12 attacks, two aces, and a block.

Maarten Van Garderen led the Netherlands with ten points.

Japan improved to 7-3, while Netherlands slipped to 3-8.

Earlier, Canada remained perfect in its campaign in Manila as it took down Brazil, 26-24, 25-19, 26-24.

Canada moved up to 7-4, while Brazil fell to 6-5.

France (7-3), on the other hand, stopped Iran's (2-9) back-to-back wins, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News