VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE – ROUND 1 UPDATES
GAME 4 – Australia def by the Netherlands | 0:3 (20-25, 15-25, 23-25)
In their fourth and final match of Round 1 of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Brazil, the Australian Men’s Volleyroos faced the Netherlands.
After a week of intense matches, the Aussies put in a gallant effort, but their dutch opponents secured the win in straight sets.
Lorenzo Pope was the top scoring Aussie of the match with 18 points, and second overall behind the Netherlands’ captain Abdel-Aziz Nimir on 20 points.
The Volleyroos will now make their way to Sofia, Bulgaria for Round 2 of the VNL, from 21-25 June.
The Aussies will come up against Canada, Bulgaria, Poland and Serbia in Round 2.See all results HERE. The Volleyball Nations League is being live streamed via Volleyball World TV – click here
GAME 3 – Australia def by Iran | 1:3 (14-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos had a tight contest against Iran in Game 3 of the 2022 Volleyball Nations League (VNL)
In their third Game of VNL round one, the match went to four close sets, but Iran managed to get the upper hand, taking the win 3:1 (25-14, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15).
Opposite Stiker Hamish Hazelden was the top scorer for Australia and second best overall, with 17 points, while Beau Graham also notched 11 points for the green and gold.
For their fourth and final match of VNL Round 1 in Brazil, the Volleyroos will play the Netherlands at 5am AEST Monday 13 June (4pm Sunday local time).
See all results HERE. The Volleyball Nations League is being live streamed via Volleyball World TV – click here.
GAME 2 – Australia def by Slovenia | 0:3 (22-25, 20-25, 21-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos have put in another huge effort in round two of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Brazil, but have fallen short to Slovenia.
They went toe-to-toe for three sets in their second match, but the 4th palace finishers from 2021 proved too strong for the Aussies, taking the win 3-nil (22-25, 20-25, 21-25).
Volleyroos debutant Lorenzo Pope was once again the top scoring Aussie with 12 points, just ahead of James Weir on 7.
The Volleyroos will be back in action on Sunday at 10am AEST (Saturday 9pm local time) against Iran.
Their third match is primed to be an epic showdown after the Aussies defeated Iran in five sets at the 2021 VNL.
“They’re going to try to get back at us, but we’ll be ready for it and it’s going to be an interesting match,” said Volleyroo Beau Graham.
The Volleyball Nations League is being live streamed via Volleyball World TV – click here
GAME 1 – Australia def by Brazil | 0:3 (14-25, 18-25, 21-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos have fallen just short in their opening Volleyball Nations League match against host nation Brazil.
Eager to improve on their 2021 campaign, the Volleyroos came out firing, managing to challenge Brazil in all three sets.
But the experience of the Brazillian team, on their home court, proved too strong, claiming a 3-nil victory.
Volleyroos debutant Lorenzo Pope said that although disappointing, it was a great learning experience.
“It is still unbelievable to me that I am representing Australia here in Brazil and that we just played the number one team in the world,” Pope said.
“For such a long time it has been a dream of my family’s to see me play for Australia, and I just feel blessed to be able to play for all of them,” he said.
Volleyroos Head Coach Dave Preston said the skills showed today demonstrate promise for the remainder of their campaign.
“For our first match together, there were a lot of good plays and moments,” Preston said.
“I’m really happy with our block defence, and now we need to upgrade our serve to be even better,” he said.
Next up, the Volleyroos will face Slovenia on Saturday 11 June at 10am AEST (9pm local time).
The Volleyball Nations League is being live streamed via Volleyball World TV – click here
