Japan sweeps Canada, advances to VNL semis

Just days after losing to Canada in the Manila leg of the Volleyball Nations League, Japan on Thursday won in their quarterfinals faceoff, 26-24, 25-18, 26-24, to book a slot in the tournament's semifinals.

Yuki Ishikawa paced Japan with 26 points from 20 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while Tatsunori Otsuka had 10 points.

Arthur Szwarc had 17 points, while Stephen Timothy Maar scored 14 points in the loss which came after Canada's perfect four-game run in Manila.

Poland, meanwhile, defeated Brazil, 18-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16, to book a semis slot as well.

Japan and Poland are still waiting for their foes from the winners of the other quarterfinals matches between Italy and France, and Slovenia and Argentina.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News