National Sports

HOFFMAN ESTATES — Canada dropped a 3-0 decision to the United States in Volleyball Nations League play on Thursday at the NOW Arena. All three sets were close, but the host side pulled out a 25-23, 25-22, 30-28 victory.

It's clear that defence has become a priority for the Toronto Raptors. Alijah Martin was taken 39th overall by Toronto on Thursday in the second round of the NBA Draft, a day after the Raptors picked Collin Murray-Boyles at No. 9.

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was convicted of sexually abusing a child and handed a two-year suspended sentence Thursday.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.

MIDLAND, Mich.

ULAANBAATAR — The Canadian men dropped two games Thursday to miss the playoff cut at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. France defeated Canada 21-18 in the early game. Aaron Rhooms and Grant Audu scored eight points apiece for the Canadians.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge were the first players picked for the July 15 All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park, elected as starters by fans on Thursday.

TORONTO — With a date with the top-ranked United States looming Wednesday in Washington, D.C., the Canadian women take to the field Friday in Toronto against Costa Rica. At No. 43, the Central Americans are ranked 35 places below Canada.

HAMILTON — McLeod Bethel-Thompson will lead the Montreal Alouettes’ offence for the first time Friday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

VANCOUVER — Evander Kane is relishing the opportunity to join his hometown team, one he feels is close to being competitive with a desire to win now.