Australia has lifted itself three positions to 11th place in the Volleyball Nations League after an undefeated round four in Korea.
The Australian men’s team improved their record to five wins, seven loses after three straight victories over Korea, China and Italy.
They opened their weekend triple header with a three-sets-to-one victory over the host nation in Seoul, before recording identical victories over China and the higher seeded Italians.
In their victory over Korea, Australia dropped the opening set before storming home to win the next three.
Australia’s defence at the net proved the telling difference, with the Aussies earning 12 points from blocks, to Korea’s four.
In the match against China, Australia again surrendered the first set but this time they required a marathon effort in the second to level scores. Australia needed 47 minutes to win the epic set by 41-39.
The third was similarly tight with Australia claiming it 29-27 before closing out victory in the fourth set with a 25-21 score.
The Volleyroos ensured their campaign in Korea would end successfully after they sealed a fourth straight VNL win and third of the round with an impressive victory over Italy.
On this occasion they won the first set (27-25) before fading in the second (18-25). However, they regained momentum in the third, winning it 25-19 before closing it out in a tight fourth set, 25-23.
Western Australian athletes Luke Smith and Max Staples were involved in all three wins for Australia and the duo will next head to Melbourne with the Volleyroos set to face a significantly sterner challenge.
Australia will host two of the sport’s powerhouse nations next weekend with the Volleyroos set to go up against fourth ranked Brazil and fifth ranked Poland, with a matchup against the 14th ranked Argentinians wedged in-between.
