Iran Rout Past Volleyross to Earn 1st Win of Season

Rouen, France, May 2016, 2018 – Australia conceded its second defeat in Saturday’s action at the men’s Nation League as Lincoln Williams scored 18 points in a 3-0 sweep at the hands of Iran (25-23, 25-23, 25-21).

Iran, in their usual style, did not play with much fanfare but coach Kolakovic’s men proved once again a well-oiled machine as Ali Shafiei yielded 17 points, including 3 blocks and 2 aces.

Shafiei had a large support crew but special mention needs to go to Seyed Mohammad Mousavi Eraghi (8 spikes, 1 block, 2 aces) as well as Amir Ghafour (6 points).

Opposite spiker Williams was the most gallant in defeat, top-scoring at 18 ahead of Luke Smith (12 points) but the 24-year old misfired and struggled against a solid Iran block.

After losing their opening Nations League games on Friday, both team were after their first win of the season. It was also a matter of regional domination as Iran and Australia met for the third time in a world competition (one win each).