Though the adoring Filipino volleyball fans were mostly on the other side of the court, Canada made all the important stops to eventually prevail over crowd favorite Japan with a hard-fought 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 21-25, 15-10 victory in the final elimination round week of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Tuesday night, June 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

Both Olympic-bound squads, Canada hiked its slate to 5-4 in the standings, still behind Japan in seventh place, which couldn’t follow up its prior back-to-back victories and picked up a 6-3 record in the process.

The Canadians have been in the presence of warm Filipino reception for the third straight year, and saw how the Japanese side has captured the hearts of the host nation. 

Even then, Eric Loeppky, who played his very first match for Canada in VNL’s Manila leg, is enjoying every moment of his first visit in the country.

“It’s our first game of the week. You never kind of know what you’re gonna expect, but we came out really strong. They’re a good team, so we battled the fans who are awesome here. It’s my first time here in the Philippines, so I really enjoyed that. But I’m really happy we came out with the win,” Loeppky, who delivered 15 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, said. 

Not totally unfamiliar with the incredibly volleyball-crazed country, Loeppky is looking forward to impressing the hosting nation as Canada faces Germany on Thursday after a one-day lull. 

“I wasn’t here last year unfortunately. But I’ve heard legend stories all-year round, how amazing the fans are and I finally got to see it, and they can really make some noise. So it’s awesome, it makes for a great environment and I really enjoyed playing,” said Loeppky. 

Stephen Maar posted a game-high 24 points highlighted by 22 attacks past Japan’s trademark defensive might, while Arthur Szwarc also added a similar 15-point output. 

As usual, it was super star trio Yuji Nishida, captain Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi, who paced Ryujin Nippon in the losing affair. 

Nishida and Ishikawa took turns for Japan with 19 markers apiece, while Takahashi scattered 13 points off nine attacks, two blocks and two service aces to carry the fight before the expectant Pinoy hardcore fans. 

In the earlier play, third seed Brazil overcame an opening-set stumble and put on a show for the Filipinos in the opening day of the final week following a 24-26, 25-23, 31-29, 25-20 romp of the Netherlands. 

The Brazilians shrugged off Dutch Nimir Abdel-Aziz’s monstrous 38-point outing for the last laugh and improved 6-3 in the standings after back-to-back wins. 

Darlan Souza, on his part, registered an equally impressive team-high performance with 26 points to save Brazil from Abdel-Aziz’s relentless onslaught, whose side absorbed its third consecutive loss in nine outings for a 3-6 card.