Canada snaps 5-game skid with win over Bulgaria in men's Volleyball Nations League
CBC Sports | Posted: June 22, 2023 5:12 PM | Last Updated: June 22, 2023
Stephen Maar leads way with 15 points as Canadians earn 2nd win of season
Canada is back in the win column.
The Canadian men's volleyball team beat Bulgaria three sets to one (22-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20) on Thursday to snap a five-match losing streak in Volleyball Nations League play.
Canada improves to 2-5 and 11th overall in the 16-team standings with the win after opening its campaign by beating Cuba. Bulgaria falls to 1-5.
"This was a very, very important victory," Canada head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo said in a release. "It gives us confidence. Of course, there are still areas where we need to improve, but today we had improved in our attacking and were more efficient. We still must play better in block and defence."
WATCH | Canadian men rally to beat Bulgaria:
The Canadians will wrap up the second leg of the season in Orléans, France, with a match against the hosts on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Live coverage will be available on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.
France is both the reigning Olympic and VNL champion but have struggled to a 1-4 record this season.
Outside hitter Stephen Maar, of Aurora, Ont., led Canada with 16 points against Bulgaria. Middle blocker Danny Demyanenko of Toronto tallied 15 points, including three from blocks and two from serves, while fellow Torontonian Arthur Szwarc also added 15.
"What I liked is how we handled those moments when we were leading," Sammelvuo said. "We had some leadership on the court to stay calm and focus on the next rally. How we handle these moments is an important part of our path."
Bulgaria had 11 block points, compared with Canada's seven.
Aleksandar Nikolov paced Bulgaria with 15 points.