VNL Manila leg 'special' for Christenson, USA

(UPDATE) USA setter and fan-favorite Micah Christenson said that he and his teammates will remember their Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Manila leg experience for the rest of their lives because of the warm Filipino support.

The Americans ended their VNL campaign with a 20-25, 23-25, 19-25 loss to Japan on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena but not without them granting autograph and selfie requests with fans post-game.

"What an experience for all of us, to cap it off with this crowd in this game, it's really special," said Christenson who was only fielded in the contest in the final moments of the match that drew 12,424 fans.

The 6-foot-4 playmaker, however, played significant minutes in USA's first three games as the Americans went 2-2 in this Manila leg and 5-7 overall, 12th in the standings.

Japan, another crowd favorite, meanwhile, went 3-1 here in the Philippines and 9-3 overall, fourth in the standings.

While only Japan is headed to the VNL quarterfinals, both the Japanese and the Americans will compete in the Paris Olympics this July.

"I think a lot of us or all of us will remember this playing here for the first time for the rest of our lives and we're gonna talk about how much of a pleasure it is to play here," said Christenson.

"Thank you, I really don't know what else to say but thank you again and again for all the support," said the 31-year-old.

"You guys are crazy in the best way possible, in all the loving ways to say to the world because it's really special to come here and play volleyball and we're really thankful for all the support."