VNL: Japan officially eliminates USA with scorching sweep win

Japan men’s volleyball team turned what was expected to be a close affair to a sweep victory, making quick work of Team USA, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19, in the 2024 Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The win allowed Ryujin Nippon to improve to 9-3 ahead of the playoff round while also officially eliminating the Americans from contention after they dropped to 5-7.

Both not fielding their usual starters, Japan still got the best of the Americans with lefty opposite spiker Kento Miyaura carrying the team on his shoulders with 18 points off 12 attacks, five aces, and a block, as well as nine digs to step up. 

Miyaura's brilliance also allowed Japan to overcome an early deficit in the third set, which once saw them down by four at 13-17, but his third straight ace capped a wild 11-2 rampage for the match point, 24-19. 

It was another bench player in the 20-year-old Masato Kai who punched the game-winning point. He finished with 16 points anchored on 12 attacks and four aces. 

The duo shone for team captain Yuki Ishikawa and Yuji Nishida, who both did not see action in the sweep win. 

In the second game, France survived a gallant stand from the struggling Brazil with a 25-23, 27-29, 13-25, 25-19, 18-16 to end its pool stage run on a high note.

Theo Faure led the French squad with 29 points built on 25 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while Kevin Tillie provided the help with 14 markers as they ended at fifth spot with an 8-4 slate.

Brazil, on the other hand, absorbed its third straight losses to slip to 6-6, but is already assured of a spot in the next round.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News