December 09, 2024

VNL: Matt Anderson, USA keep Final Eight hopes alive with crucial win over Germany

VNL: Matt Anderson, USA keep Final Eight hopes alive with crucial win over Germany
Team USA take down Germany for a crucial win in Manila. | Photo (c) VNL

Team USA kept their title dreams alive after eliminating Germany, 25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 25-23, in the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila Leg at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, June 22.


The United States remain in the hunt for the Final Eight, rising to a 5-6 record for 11th place in the standings.


To advance to the next round, the Americans must win their final preliminary match versus Japan, while hoping that Cuba, Serbia, and Argentina lose their remaining games.


After splitting the first two frames, both teams figured in a back-and-forth struggle in the third set, leading up to a 24-all tie.


Matt Anderson shattered the deadlock with a hit, before Johannes Tille coughed out a costly error for Germany.


The Germans played with a sense of urgency in the fourth, as they took a slim 21-19 lead. However, their errors allowed the Americans to tie the count at 23.


TJ Defalco and Jeff Jendryk then delivered two crucial defensive plays at the net to seal the deal.

 

Anderson carried the cudgels with 23 points built on 20 attacks and three aces, while Defalco made his presence felt with 20 markers.


Jendryk and David Smith anchored above the net, collecting four blocks apiece to end up with 10 and nine points, respectively.


On the other hand, Germany bid farewell to its championship aspirations after sliding to 12th place with a 4-7 card.


György Grozer paced the losing side with 16 points, while Tobias Krick and Lukas Maase poured 12 markers each that went for naught.


Both teams aim to finish their respective preliminary round campaign on a high note, as the United States takes on Japan while Germany faces Iran. 


Matches will be held on Sunday, June 23, at the same venue. 


We use cookies to ensure you the best experience on our website. For more information, click FIND OUT MORE.