KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

Powerhouse France displayed its defensive prowess to thrash Netherlands, 25-14, 25-23, 25-13, Thursday in Week 2 of the Volleyball Nations League Men’s Leg at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Frenchmen, who finished third in last year’s edition, were rock-solid defensively as they posted 12 blocks, including five in the second set to clinch their fifth victory in six outings for 15 points.

Nicolas Le Goff led in that department with six blocks to finish with 10 points, while Stephen Boyer also stepped up with four blocks on top of 11 kills for 15 points.

Netherlands appeared to be bouncing back from a first-set loss by leading early in the second frame, only to lose steam in the face of France’s smoldering attack – not to mention the defensive wall it put up.

Netherlands did try to destroy France’s defense to no avail.

The Frenchmen also banked on their 41 kills against the Dutch’s 30.

Barthelemy Chinenyeze also shone for France with 12 points, including 10 attacks, while Trevor Clevenot chipped in nine hits for 11 points.

Bennie Tuinstra Junior and Nimir Abdel-Aziz finished with 11 points each for the Netherlands, which slipped to its third loss in six outings for nine points.