June 13, 2026.- In Pool 1 of the Men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in Ottawa, the United States completed a dramatic reverse sweep against Canada to claim a thrilling five-set victory, while in Pool 3 in China, Cuba let its lead slip away and fell to Slovenia.
United States Rallies to Defeat Canada in Five Sets
The United States came from behind and overturned the score to defeat Canada in a thrilling five-set battle, 3-2 (20-25, 33-25, 26-24, 21-25, 15-11), maintaining its unbeaten record through three matches in the opening week of the Men’s VNL.
Led by opposite hitter Cole Hartke, the Americans were able to overcome the Canadians. Hartke scored 33 points, including six blocks and three service aces. Merrick McHenry finished with 15 points (four blocks), Jordan Ewert added 14 points, and Ethan Champlin contributed 12 points.
For Canada, Xander Ketrzynski was the team’s leading scorer with 21 points. Timothy Maar and captain Eric Loeppky each finished with 16 points, while Jackson Howe scored 13 and Danny Demyanenko added 12.
In team statistics, the United States outperformed Canada in attacks (67-65), blocks (18-14), and service aces (5-4).
Despite the victory, Brazil overtook the United States for first place in the overall standings. The Americans now sit in second place with eight points, compared to Brazil’s nine.
Cuba Unable to Hold Lead Against Slovenia
Cuba was unable to maintain its advantage and eventually lost to Slovenia in five sets, 2-3 (25-15, 26-28, 25-19, 14-25, 11-15). It was Cuba’s third loss of the tournament, although the team earned its first point and moved out of the bottom spot in the standings, leaving Argentina in last place.
Slovenia led Cuba in the team statistics, holding advantages in attacks (62-55), blocks (16-10), and service aces (4-3).
Three Cuban players reached double digits in scoring. Julio Cesar Cardenas and Nivaldo Díaz were the team’s leading scorers with 14 points each, while David Fiel Rodríguez added 13 points.
Match Schedule for Sunday, June 14
In Ottawa, Canada (Local Time)
Canada vs. Türkiye – 14:30
United States vs. Italy – 18:00
In Linyi, China (Local Time)
Cuba vs. China – 16:30
English 
Spanish