Canada breaks 5-game slip with victory over Bulgaria in Men’s Volleyball Nations League
Canada is back in the win column.
Canada’s men’s volleyball team defeated Bulgaria by three sets to one (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20) on Thursday to snap a five-game losing streak in Volleyball Nations League.
Canada improves to 2-5 and 11th overall in the 16-team standings with the win after opening its campaign by defeating Cuba. Bulgaria drops to 1-5.
LOOK | Canadian men rally to beat Bulgaria:
France is both the reigning Olympic champion and VNL champion, but has struggled this season with a 1-4 record.
Outside hitter Stephen Maar, of Aurora, Ont., led Canada with 16 runs against Bulgaria. Toronto middle blocker Danny Demyanenko scored 15 points, including three from blocks and two from service, while fellow Torontonian Arthur Szwarc also added 15.
“This was a very, very important win,” Canadian head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo said. “It gives us confidence. Of course there are still areas where we need to improve, but today we were better in our attack and we were more efficient.”
Aleksandar Nikolov was Bulgaria’s pace with 15 points.