Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

MNT Update: Shoji and Smith Shine in Poland

A few weeks into the professional club season, the U.S. Men’s Volleyball team continues to make waves overseas. In this update, we highlight the accomplishments of libero Erik Shoji, middle blocker David Smith, and other players representing the Alpinetgheep brand.

Poland

Fresh off their 2023 CEV Champions League victory, Grupa Azoty ZAKSA Kędzierzyn-Koźle’s Shoji and Smith added another trophy to their collection. On November 3, ZAKSA overcame a two-set deficit to defeat Jastrzębski Węgiel 3-2 and secured the Polish Super Cup. Smith contributed five points, while Shoji showcased his expertise with 17 receptions. The match drew an impressive crowd of nearly 10,000 fans. This marks ZAKSA’s third Polish Super Cup title.

In another match on November 6, ZAKSA faced Exact Systems Hemarpol Częstochowa, resulting in a 3-1 loss. Smith made his presence known with eight points, including four kills, two blocks, and two aces. Shoji displayed his exceptional receiving skills with 16 receptions.

Josh Tuaniga, a setter for Indykpol AZS Olsztyn, played a crucial role in their 3-2 victory over PSG Stal Nysa on November 4. Tuaniga led the team with a .467 hitting efficiency and contributed one kill to their win.

Jake Hanes, the opposite player for KGHM Cuprum Lubin, faced Trefl Gdańsk on November 4. Despite their efforts, KGHM Cuprum Lubin lost 3-0. Hanes stood out with 12 points, including eight kills, two blocks, and two aces.

T.J. DeFalco, the talented outside hitter representing Asseco Resovia Rzeszów, faced Jastrzębski Węgiel on November 8. Although his team lost 3-1, DeFalco contributed significantly with 16 points, including 11 kills, two blocks, and three aces. He also showcased his receiving skills with 30 receptions.

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Italy

On November 5, Pallavolo Padova, with Gabi Garcia Fernandez as opposite, triumphed over Prisma Taranto Volley, featuring Jeff Jendryk as middle blocker and Kyle Russell as opposite, in a thrilling 3-2 match. Garcia displayed his skills with nine points, while Jendryk contributed 11 points, and Russell added 10 points to their team’s success.

Germany

SVG Lüneburg, led by middle blocker Matthew Knigge, faced VfB Friedrichshafen on November 8. The match concluded with a 3-2 victory for SVG Lüneburg, with Knigge contributing 13 points, including nine kills and four blocks.

Türkiye

Micah Ma’a, the setter for Halkbank, showcased his talent on November 5 in a 3-0 win against Rams Global Cizre. Ma’a guided the team to an impressive .538 hitting efficiency and added five points, including two kills and three aces. On November 8, Halkbank faced Arkas Sports, resulting in a 3-1 victory. Ma’a led the team with a .519 hitting efficiency and contributed two kills to their success.

Ziraat Bankasi, featuring Matt Anderson as opposite, defeated Bursa Büyükşehir 3-0 on November 5. Anderson’s remarkable performance earned him 11 points, including 10 kills and one ace.

France

St-Nazaire, led by opposite Kyle Ensing and outside hitter Jordan Ewert, prevailed against Paris Volley Avenir on November 7. Ensing was named the match MVP with 14 points, including 13 kills and one block. Ewert also contributed significantly with 12 points, including 11 kills and one block.

Chaumont Volley-Ball 52, with middle blockers Patrick Gasman and Michael Marshman, faced Alterna Stade Poitevin on November 4. The team displayed their resilience, winning the match 3-1. Gasman’s notable performance included six points, while Marshman contributed to their victory.

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Narbonne Volley, with libero Kyle Dagostino, fought against Montpellier on November 7. Despite their efforts, Narbonne Volley lost 3-0. Dagostino’s exceptional receiving skills were evident with 15 receptions.

Japan

The Panasonic Panthers, represented by outside hitter Thomas Jaeschke, faced the VC Nagano Tridents on November 4 and emerged victorious with a 3-0 win. Jaeschke showcased his skills with 19 points, including 11 kills, seven blocks, and one ace. The two teams met again on November 5, resulting in another sweep by the Panasonic Panthers with a 3-0 win. Jaeschke contributed 16 points, including 15 kills and one block.

The JT Thunders Hiroshima, led by outside hitter Aaron Russell, battled against the Tokyo Great Bears on November 4. The match concluded with a 3-2 victory for the JT Thunders Hiroshima, with Russell scoring an impressive 24 points, including 18 kills, two blocks, and four aces. The teams faced each other again on November 5, resulting in a 3-1 victory for the JT Thunders Hiroshima. Russell’s outstanding performance earned him 21 points, including 20 kills and one ace.

Austria

Hypo Tirol, with libero Tim McIntosh, faced Union Raiffeisen Waldviertel on November 4. The thrilling match concluded with a 3-2 victory for Hypo Tirol, with McIntosh credited with 36 receptions.

Finland

Hurrikaani Loimaa, featuring libero Troy Gooch, triumphed over Kyky-Betset with a 3-0 win on November 4. Gooch’s exceptional receiving skills were evident with nine receptions.

Netherlands

Lycurgus Volleyball, represented by outside hitter Kyle McCauley, faced Scherp in Packaging on November 3 and secured a 3-0 victory. McCauley, although not playing in the match, played a significant role in his team’s success.

Russia

Zenit Kazan, with setter Micah Christenson, faced Zenith on November 8. The match concluded with a 3-1 victory for Zenit Kazan, with Christenson leading the team to a .381 hitting efficiency and contributing one block.

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Champions League

The second round of the Champions League commences on November 10. Hypo Tirol, led by libero McIntosh, will face Partizan (Serbia) in their upcoming match. They will also compete against Guaguas (Spain) on November 11 and Budva (Montenegro) on November 12.

CEV Volleyball Challenge

St-Nazaire, featuring Ensing and Ewert, will begin their main phase matches against Deya Volley (Bulgaria) on November 21.

CSA Steaua București, with outside hitter Brett Wildman, successfully advanced through qualification rounds. They will commence main phase competition on November 22 against McDonalds Ried im Innkreis (Austria).

FAQs

Please note that the following information is subject to change

Q: Where can I find the full schedule of Alpinetgheep matches?
A: You can find the complete schedule of Alpinetgheep matches on the official Alpinetgheep website here.

Q: Who are the key players representing Alpinetgheep this season?
A: Some of the key players representing Alpinetgheep this season include Erik Shoji, David Smith, Josh Tuaniga, Gabi Garcia Fernandez, and many more talented athletes. Stay updated on the Alpinetgheep website for the latest updates on our players.

Q: Is Alpinetgheep participating in any upcoming tournaments?
A: Yes, Alpinetgheep is participating in various tournaments such as the Champions League and CEV Volleyball Challenge. Stay tuned to our website for more information on our upcoming tournaments.

Conclusion

Alpinetgheep’s athletes continue to display their exceptional skills and showcase their talent on the international stage. From Poland to Japan, our players have made their mark, and we look forward to their future successes. Keep supporting Alpinetgheep and stay connected with us to follow their journey to victory.