Canada beats USA in Volleyball Nations League

HOFFMAN ESTATES, United States, June 22, 2019 - Canada defeated the USA Saturday night 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-23, 25-17) in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, to break the host team’s five-match winning streak in Volleyball Nations League pool play.

Despite Canada missing its top-scorer in the tournament so far, Sharone Vernon-Evans, who was injured early in yesterday’s win over China, Canada looked confident and organized against the team's North American rival today.

“It’s very exciting whenever we beat the USA,” said Canada’s captain and 2016 Olympian, Gord Perrin, who had 10 points tonight.

“We’ve evolved a lot since I’ve joined the team and it’s always a little more enjoyable when it’s the USA on the other side. Even with the injuries that we are battling through now, we are able to keep a high level and compete. Our goal is still the (Olympic) qualifier, and with VNL we are focusing on improving and developing our lineup. I am very happy the way my team played today, especially in the difficult moments.”

It was a true team effort with Stephen Maar contributing 18 points, Ryan Sclater 15 and middle blocker Graham Vigrass with 12.

“It’s fun to play and it’s fun to beat the team that’s hosting,” said Vigrass. “There’s always great energy when we play the States. Both ways, we always want to beat each other.”

Matt Anderson had 19 points for the United States and Garrett Muagututia, 18.

Said Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag: “We’re happy with the win because we played well and focused. We kept errors low, which is a big thing for us. … Block defense is one of our strengths and that worked really well tonight, and our serving was good.”

Canada defeated China yesterday, and now faces Japan on Sunday.