Canada rose from China’s opening-set challenge to prevail 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-18 on Sunday, July 9 at the close of Week 3 of the men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Canada's Nicholas Hoag scores against China's two defenders during their VNL game Sunday. (Ali Vicoy)

After squandering a 23-22 lead to lose the first set, the Canadians regained their composure starting the second frame by slowly destroying China’s defense to finish the week on a bright note.

Already out of the Top 8 race, the Canadians still showed grit to improve their win-loss tally to 3-9 for solo 12^th.

Stephen Maar erupted for 20 points built on 14 kills and six blocks, while Ryan Sclater poured in all his 20 points on attacks for Canada, which registered its only victory in four matches in the Philippine leg.

Skipper Nicholas Hoag also unleashed 12 points on nine hits and three aces, while Danny Demyanenko also contributed 12 points highlighted by eight kills, two blocks and two aces.

China, which lost all its four matches in this leg, skidded to 2-10 at the cellar to put their tournament spot in peril as the team at the bottom standings would be relegated to the 2023 Challenger Cup.

Three other nations with similar 2-9 marks – Iran, Bulgaria and Cuba – are still scheduled for their last preliminary matches at press time.

Zhang Jingyin tried to lift China with his hard-hitting attacks and finished with 25 points, but Canada was too much to handle.

Li Yongzhen had 10 points, while Jiang Chuan and Peng Shikun combined for 16 points in a losing effort.