VOLLEYBALL NATIONS LEAGUE – ROUND 2 UPDATES
GAME 4 – Australia def by Serbia | 0:3 (17-25, 20-25, 22-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos have wrapped up Round 2 of the Volleyball Nations League, after a tough loss to Serbia overnight.
Eager to bounce back from the loss against Poland in Round 3, the Volleyroos came out fighting in the first set.
With a strong Serbia standing in their way, the Volleyroos kept building and closing the gap throughout the game.
In the end, it wasn’t enough to hold off the European powerhouses, and the Volleyroos fell just short in a three-set battle.
The team will now head to Osaka, Japan, for the final round of the 2022 Volleyball Nations League.
GAME 3 – Australia def by Poland | 0:3 (17-25, 19-25, 14-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos have gone down fighting against Poland in their third Round 2 match at the Volleyball Nations League in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Fresh off their upset of home nation Bulgaria, the Volleyroos backed up against a tough Poland side.
Although managing to push Poland right through the 3-set battle, the Volleyroos fell just short.
The team will now refocus for their final Round 2 match against Serbia (Sunday 26 June 8.30pm AEST) before heading to Osaka, Japan for Round 3.
GAME 2 – Australia d Bulgaria | 3:2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-22, 20-25, 17-15)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos have upset host nation Bulgaria in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) overnight.
It’s the first win of the 2022 VNL season for the Volleyroos, and well earned after a hard fought 5-set battle.
Volleyroos captain Luke Perry said it was a special moment for the team, having worked so hard together to achieve this.
“That was special for everyone involved and a little reward for hard work and constant grind,” Perry said.
“We’re starting to understand our style of volleyball and what kind of team we are.
“Credit to all the boys and everyone around us, a huge TEAM effort.
“I am stoked for Tommy Heptinstall, he’s come a long way already,” he said.
Volleyroos Head Coach Dave Preston said it was a great team effort, and super rewarding for the team.
“I’m really happy for the guys and so proud of them,” Preston said.
“We showed great composure at some critical times and took full advantage of the opportunities they created.
“Tom Hepinstall was great from the baseline down the stretch in the 5th and our middles were really effective all night.
“All around a great team effort, and looking forward to our next game against Poland,” he said.
The Volleyroos will now face Poland, before their final Round 2 game against Serbia.
For the full schedule – click here
GAME 1 – Australia def by Canada | 1:3 (25-18, 26-28, 19-25, 22-25)
The Australian Men’s Volleyroos put up a gallant fight against Canada in the Volleyball Nations League overnight, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The Volleyroos came out firing, claiming a 25-18 win in the first set. Pushing Canada right until the end of the match, the Volleyroos went toe to toe, but Canada had the upper edge, taking the win 3-1 (25-18, 26-28, 19-25, 22-25).
Opposite Thomas Heptinstall was integral for the Volleyroos, scoring four aces and six attack points.
Heptinstall said that although a disappointing win, the team showed promise for what is still to come.
“We fought really hard the whole match and definitely didn’t doubt our efforts throughout,” Heptinstall said.
“Our middle attackers were really efficient and will continue to be a strong point of ours going into the next few games,” he said.
The Volleyroos will remain in Bulgaria, for back-to-back games against Bulgaria, Poland and Serbia.
For the full schedule – click here
