USA's Taylor Averill amazed by the Philippines' love for volleyball

Team USA middle blocker Taylor Averill was overwhelmed by the love that the players received during the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League.

In their last game against Japan, Averill had wanted to give the fans a five-setter, but USA fell to Ryujin Nippon in straight sets.

"They were such a good team. I really wanted to go five [sets], I wanted to give the fans more volleyball, but they played great," Averill said after their loss.

"This crowd, what more could you possibly ask for in volleyball? I don't know how it's the first time that at least we in the States have been to the Philippines to play volleyball. It would not be the last. I'm so excited to come back here. I've had way too much fun here. Volleyball community here is nothing I have experienced. I just feel so grateful."

Taylor Averill wearing the “coolest” jacket he received from the Philippines and appreciating the support they got from volleyball fans @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/pazF5x7HKx

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) June 23, 2024

Prior to the game, Averill was surprised with a Team Philippines jacket from PNVF officials and he described it as the 'coolest'.

"I'm so honored. This is the coolest jacket. Such a cool token to have. I'm blessed to wear it, I'm blessed for the fans that came out," he said. "I mean really, You guys don't understand, in the States, we don't get this kind of love for what we do. It means a lot to me, I don't take it for granted."

While eliminated from contention in the VNL, Averill and the rest of the United States squad will prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News