USA huddles throughout a timeout in a VNL 2024 recreation towards Japan.-MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
MANILA, Philippines — Workforce USA captain Micah Christenson had a primary Manila journey to recollect regardless of the Individuals lacking the Closing Eight of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL).
The US wrapped up its marketing campaign in Manila with a 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 loss to Japan in a much-awaited conflict between the 2 fan favorites performed earlier than an ecstatic 12,424 crowd at Mall of Asia Area on Sunday evening.
The Individuals, final yr’s runners-up will miss the Closing Eight with a 5-7 report, however Christenson and his teammates will deliver nice recollections with them as they head again dwelling and kit up for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
READ: VNL 2024: Japan beats USA for first time in Manila finale
Micah Christenson after USA’s ultimate recreation in Manila. #VNL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/AruCMy0IJx
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 23, 2024
“Unbelievable. It was capped off with an unbelievable crowd, the final recreation up right here in Manila so, want we might’ve made it a bit longer of a match, however on the identical time it was good volleyball, it was actually good volleyball on the market on the court docket,” stated the star setter, who solely performed late within the third set as each squads determined to relaxation most of their key cogs.
“I’m actually pleased with our guys and the way we fought and the way we battled. So now, we’re simply gonna continue learning from our expertise however, our journey in Manila was an awesome success based mostly on our expertise.”
American stars Matt Anderson and TJ Defalco sat the sport out as Taylor Averill and Erik Shoji have been the remaining starters within the match.
Nonetheless, Christenson praised Japan for its strong displaying with Kento Miyaura stepping up huge time.
“We confirmed our degree in a number of the units, however in direction of the top of the units, Japan actually turned their serving strain on particularly, Miyaura, on the finish of not less than the final two units, he got here in with some actually huge serves,” he stated.
READ: VNL 2024: USA posts second straight win forward of Japan conflict
The Individuals might have missed the Closing Eight in Poland after splitting their 4 matches in Manila. However they are going to come dwelling with huge smiles on their faces.
Christenson and the USA now shift their focus to the Paris Video games, the place they hope to take dwelling the gold.
“It’s nice. We’re gonna want everyone on the Olympics, so, from the highest down, we’re gonna want everyone on this group. So to have the ability to have the flexibility to offer them expertise in an enormous recreation, in a sold-out crowd towards Japan is a superb expertise,” he stated
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