Long Beach State Athletics!: Re: VNL - Bulgaria (Moni) vs Canada (Varga)

In today's action, Bulgaria wiped out Ukraine. Moni had a nice game. They have a team that is capable of beating anyone and are 5-3. Canada lost a 5 setter to Brazil and is 1-7 now. Canada is very disappointing...they were expected to be one of the better teams. Varga played most of it and was ok again. My observation might be off but Varga doesn't seem to be the same attacker from the 2025 VNL, just like he seemed to be a little off during the 25-26 NCAA season. Wonder if he's playing through some minor or lingering injuries?

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Moni went off on his serve for key runs in the 4th and 5th set.

Have seen Moni do that before, lol, not sure how much Bulgaria has other than the Nikolovs, and Alex still not the best in receive. Varga did play ok, got subbed out a few times. Had one nice serving run, missed a key one barely in the 5th.

USA vs Japan was great 5 setter. some key errors in the 5th by the USA.

US vs. Bulgaria coming up on July 18th in Illinois. Moni had a huge Bulgarian following for the Lewis match there a couple years ago.

Hoping Briggs gets on the squad that plays the last 4 matches in Illinois and the VNL finals, and gets to start a couple matches. looks doubtful he'll beat out Shoji for the Olympics, would be good to see him as the clear #2 though.

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Varga finally received a chance to start and play the entire match against old friends, Moni and Alex. Very intense match...Bulgaria wins in 5. Alex and Moni did their usual thing. Varga had 6 kills, 3 blocks and played ok for someone who hasn't played in any VNL up to this point. His serve was erratic, kind of like this past year for the Niners.