Chicago, USA, July 14, 2019 - The 2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League ended on a high as reigning champions Russia successfully defended their title by defeating USA 3-1 (25-23, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20) to win gold after Poland overpowered Brazil earlier in the day to claim bronze.
Highlighting outstanding performances during the Men's Finals in Chicago, an MVP/Best Opposite award was received by the USA's Matt Anderson.
Other players receiving awards in the Best Outside Hitter category included Russians Egor Kliuka and Dmitry Volkov and Poland's Bartosz Bednorz, who led his team to the bronze medals. Ivan Iakovlev of Russia and Max Holt of USA received the Best Middle Blocker honours.
Hawaiian Micah Christenson was rewarded for his performance at the setting role, and his ability to distribute the ball with pinpoint precision. His teammate, 29-year-old Erik Shoji received the prize for best libero, after again demonstrating his ability to keep the ball alive in even the most difficult situations.
2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League - Dream Team
Best Outside Hitters: Egor Kliuka and Dmitri Volkov (both Russia), Bartosz Bednorz (Poland)
Best Middle Blockers: Max Holt (USA), Ivan Iakovlev (Russia)
Best Libero: Erik Shoji (USA)
Best Setter: Micah Christenson (USA)
MVP/Best Opposite: Matt Anderson (USA)