Micah Christenson and Crew USA throughout a VNL Week 3 recreation towards Iran. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web
VNL 2024 SCHEDULE: Week 3 Manila, Philippines leg
MANILA, Philippines — Crew USA setter Micah Christenson needed to win it for his or her Filipino followers, however their Manila debut was spoiled by Iran in 5 units within the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Week 3 on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Enviornment.
Christenson and the fan-favorite USA, cheered by the Filipino crowd, couldn’t full a comeback as Iran pulled off a 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 26-28, 15-13 stunner to finish a winless eight-game skid.
“I want it may’ve gone otherwise, you recognize? However nonetheless, we actually, actually admire all the help and love from the Filipino followers. We really feel it each day on a regular basis. It’s nice to lastly be right here and attempt to placed on some good performances for them in particular person,” stated the American captain.
READ: VNL 2024: Iran upsets powerhouse USA for first win
TJ Defalco unleashed 33 factors but it surely wasn’t sufficient because the Olympic-bound USA dropped to a 3-6 file in twelfth place.
Christenson and a few of his teammates nonetheless accommodated their supporters on the fan zone to point out their appreciation after their post-game interviews.
With USA’s closing eight possibilities in limbo, the veteran setter seeks to maintain on enhancing earlier than heading to the Paris Olympics subsequent month.
“We now have a protracted technique to go from the place we wanna be, within the Olympics, so we’re gonna proceed to work on that,” Christenson stated.
The USA star praised Iran for pulling off a giant win to enhance to a 1-8 file regardless of their valiant effort to power a fifth set.
“I believe we’ve got to first give credit score to Iran. They performed nice. All people was making good defensive performs, even the center blockers. They put a number of strain on us in sure conditions. We now have to present a number of credit score there, however we even have rather a lot to work on. We all know that and we’re going to face it head-on,” he stated.
“They’re all the time a harmful group they usually confirmed it tonight.”
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Christenson and USA have lower than 24 hours earlier than going through Brazil on Thursday at 7 p.m. as they hope to ship a win for his or her nation and Filipino followers.