Men’s volleyball: Hawaii alum Taylor Averill makes first appearance in VNL play

Former University of Hawaii All-American middle Taylor Averill had nine kills and two blocks, and setter Kawika Shoji (‘Iolani) added four kills and two aces as the U.S. men’s national team won its third consecutive match when defeating Germany in Volleyball Nations League pool play on today in Cannes, France.

Micah Ma’a (Punahou) had six kills and two aces when playing as an outside hitter in the 25-22, 21-25, 25-19, 25-20 victory. Erik Shoji (Punahou) and former Hawaii all-American Tui Tuileta alternated at libero in all four sets.

It was Averill’s first start in VNL play. The only team member with island ties who did not play was setter Micah Christenson (Kamehameha).
The U.S. (4-4) plays host France (6-2) today. The French lost to Argentina 3-1 on Saturday.