Francia edges Canada in tough battle

VARNA, Bulgaria, June 17, 2018 – Coming in as substitutions, Jean Patry and Julien Lyneel spear-headed France’s attack on the way to their 10th victory since the start of the inaugural FIVB Volleyball Nations League season – 3-2 (25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14) against Canada.

21-year-old Patry, who came onto the court during the course of the second set, hammered out 20 points to become France’s most prolific player of the match.

Lyneel, who was on France’s playing line-up since the start of the second set, added another 15 rally-winning spikes on the way to the victory.

The best scorer of the match, however, came from the losing side. Canada’s Nicholas Hoag stringed up 23 points, including two stuff blocks and one ace.

France will travel to Modena for the last weekend of the round robin phase, June 22 – 24. In addition to hosts Italy, the French will also meet Russia and USA. Canada will be in Jiangmen to play against Japan, Serbia and hosts China.