Volleyroos Fall Short in Five-Set Bronze Medal Thriller in Japan

The Australian Volleyroos capped off an impressive run at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship in Fukuoka with a gutsy five-set battle in Sunday’s bronze medal match, ultimately going down 3-2 (16-25; 25-18; 22-25; 25-18; 15-9) to Korea.

Australia came out firing to take the opening set 25-16, and after Korea levelled the score, the Volleyroos dug deep to reclaim the lead with a 25-22 win a tense third set. Korea forced a decider with a 25-18 win in the fourth, before proving too strong in the final set, closing out the match 15-9.

Lorenzo Pope (VIC) was outstanding once again, finishing as the Volleyroos’ top scorer with 23 points, including three blocks. Opposite William D’Arcy-Miles (QLD) fired down three aces on his way to 14 points, while outside hitter Luke Smith also had a strong showing with three blocks and 13 points.

While the bronze medal went to Korea, the Volleyroos had a standout campaign in Japan with wins over Bahrain and Oman and hard-fought battles against tournament heavyweights Japan and Iran.

Catch up on the match summary and highlights.