Canada loses to Russia in VNL

URMIA, Iran, June 15, 2019 – Defending champions Russia defeated Canada 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-20, 25-23) to improve its winning record to 7-1 at the 2019 FIVB Men’s Volleyball League (VNL) on Saturday. Canada dropped to 4-4.

In a match plagued by errors, the winners made 32 of them only to benefit from 35 by the losers.

Russia had the edge (46-43) in attacks and also in blocks (11-9). Canada held a slight margin in aces 7-5.

Denis Zemchenok led Russia with 12 points while Victor Poletaev and Egor Kliuka each contributed 9 points.

Sharone Vernon Evans had a match-high 16 points for Canada. Three other Canadians, Arthur Szwarc (12), Nicholas Hoad (10) and Stephen Timothy Maar (10), reached double figures in the scoring sheet.

The third round of the Men’s VNL concludes on Sunday with Canada playing against Poland.