Canada’s men’s volleyball team continues Olympic preparation with 3-2 win over Japan | CBC Sports

Canada’s men’s volleyball team continued its Olympic preparation with a 3-2 win over Japan on Tuesday to open Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League preliminary round in Manila, Philippines.

Stephen Maar had 24 total points, including two aces, as Canada won by set scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10.

Yuji Nishida and Yuki Ishikawa had 19 points each for Japan.

Canada led 61-57 in attack points and out-blocked Japan 12-3. Japan led in aces (8-6) and its 26 errors were two fewer than Canada.

“It was a good win and we showed patience against a very technically strong opponent,” Canada head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo said. “I’m very happy for the guys. In the end, our block defence was the key to winning the game.”

Canada (5-4) will next face Germany on Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET.

The Canadians have already booked their spot at the upcoming Paris Olympics after finishing second in their pool at last year’s qualification tournament.

Canadian roster

• Luke Herr – Winnipeg
• Brett Walsh – Calgary
• Ryley Barnes – Edmonton
• Nicholas Hoag – Sherbrooke, Que.
• Eric Loeppky – Steinbach, Man.
• Stephen Maar – Aurora, Ont.
• Brodie Hofer – Langley, B.C.
• Pearson Eshenko – Banff, Alta.
• Fynn McCarthy – Lake Country, B.C.
• Danny Demyanenko – Toronto
• Lucas Van Berkel – Edmonton
• Xander Ketrzynski – Toronto
• Arthur Szwarc – Toronto
• Justin Lui – Pickering, Ont.
• Reserve: Jordan Schnitzer – Surrey, B.C.
• Reserve: Landon Currie – Coldstream, B.C.