Team Canada came through with a stunning upset over the United States in Men’s Volleyball Nations League action at Toronto Dominion Place in Ottawa, Ontario on Saturday. In a four set win, Canada beat the United States 25-16, 19-25, 26-24, 28-26.
Three Canadians reached double digits in scoring. Outside hitter Stephen Maar of Aurora, Ontario led the Canadian team with 24 points (22 attack points and two block points). Meanwhile, middle blocker Pearson Eshenko of Banff, Alberta and outside hitter Eric Loepkky of Steinbach, Manitoba had 10 points each. Eshenko had seven attack points, one block point, and two aces. Loepkky had eight attack points and two aces.
Maar led Canada with 22 attack points, and was one of two Canadian players with two block points to lead the team. The other was Fynnian McCarthy of Lake Country, British Columbia. Meanwhile, Eshenko and Loeppky were two of three Canadians to lead Team Canada with two aces. The other was setter Luke Herr of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
This was the first time Canada beat the United States in Men’s Volleyball Nations League action in five years. In 2013 in Chicago, Illinois, Canada beat the United States 25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17. The United States are ranked third in the world in men’s volleyball behind Poland and Italy.
In 2024 Men’s Volleyball Nations League action, Canada improves to a record of four wins and three losses for 13 points, and are in seventh place out of 16 teams. They play Serbia on Sunday in Ottawa. Canada’s win over the United States will give them confidence as they prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
