France, Japan put on show at Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines — Tokyo Olympics MVP Earvin Ngapeth came back strong from a one-game rest and carried France to a 25-16, 25-19, 19-25, 25-21 blitz of Germany yesterday at the close of Week 2 Volleyball Nations League action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ngapeth, who was rested in a 25-22, 27-25, 25-16 sinking of Japan last Saturday, dropped an 18-point performance to keep the Roosters comfortably perched on top with 21 points, or three points ahead of the Poles, on seven wins in eight outings.

It also completed a four-game sweep by the reigning Olympic champions in their Philippine sojourn.

“For me, it’s my first time that I discovered the Philippines. It’s nice to play here, it’s really great to play here,” said Stephen Boyer, who had an all-around effort with 16 points and six digs.

After a dominant first two sets, the French lost concentration in the third that allowed the Germans to regroup, launch their own spiking offensive and steal the third set to stay alive.

It turned out to be Germany’s last, as Ngapeth and Boyer took charge in delivering the killer blows.

Germany fell to No. 11 with seven points.

In the other game, crowd darling Japan bounced back from its defeat to France with a 25-21, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19 spanking of Slovenia to leap back to third with 18 points.

Yuki Ishikawa and Tatsunori Otsuka were at the forefront of the Ryuji Nippon’s attack with 21 and 13 hits, respectively, while Yuji Nishida, back after a one-game absence, contributed 11 points.

The Slovenians faltered to ninth with nine points.

Fans were specifically delighted by the return of the high-leaping, power-spiking Nishida, arguably the most popular player in this international event.