U.S. stars rave reviews at VNL Manila, delight Filipino crowd

MANILA, Philippines — To say that U.S. stars Taylor Averill and Eric Shoji thoroughly enjoyed their first Volleyball Nations League (VNL) match in Manila was an understatement.

Averill, who has expressed her love for Filipino fans in social media posts, wore a Team Philippines jacket while warming up for the match against Japan, which Japan defeated in straight sets, in front of 12,000 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

“It’s a great honor. It’s the coolest jacket. It’s a great keepsake and a sign of gratitude and I’m happy to be able to wear it,” said Averill, one of two starters along with Shoji in the USA’s final game in Manila.

Read: VNL 2024: US star Taylor Averill wants to return and explore the Philippines

Eric Shoji enjoyed his stay in Manila. #VNL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/qwbzDQQlMH

— Lance Agcaoil (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 23, 2024

“Thank you again to the fans who came out. You guys would never understand. We don’t get this kind of love for what we do in America so it means a lot to me. I don’t take it for granted.”

Although the U.S. team finished with 5-7 losses and did not advance to the quarterfinals, the American middle blocker was excited to experience the Filipinos’ love for volleyball.

Eric Shoji of Team USA. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m so excited to be back here. I’ve had so much fun here. The volleyball community here is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I’m just so grateful. I don’t know how many times I’ve said it. Apparently it was sold out. It certainly sounded that way. It was awesome. I had so much fun,” Averill said. “I don’t know how many more times I can say it. I absolutely love it here. I don’t want to go home. Thank you guys. I appreciate it.”

Shoji also enjoyed the opportunity to meet the boys and girls players from Alas Pilipinas.

Read: VNL 2024: Experience makes US visit to Manila a “great success”

“I think it was the best VNL experience I’ve had in a while. Of course we wanted to win, but the crowd was amazing and as you can see it was a close game between the two teams, but Japan was a little bit better than us,” the American libero said. “The atmosphere was really intense and I’m hoping for the same kind of excitement when we play in Paris as we had in Manila.”

Averill urged Filipino fans to continue rooting for Team USA at the Paris Olympics and hopes to be reunited with them at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.

“In this Olympics, don’t be afraid to cheer from afar. I appreciate your support, and if not, see you next year. Thank you so much. I love you all,” he said.