Canada to play USA in Semi Finals after defeating Mexico

ANAHEIM, California, September 19, 2007.- Canada made quick work of Mexico on Wednesday to set up a meeting with another North American power.

Canada defeated Mexico 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-21) in the quarterfinals of the NORCECA Men’s Continental Qualifier and will advance to Thursday’s semi finals where it will play the United States.

Mexico will have a rematch against Barbados in classification round 5. The two played in pool play and Mexico won 3-1.

The top two finishers at the NORCECA Continental Championship will qualify for the 2007 FIVB World Cup (Nov. 18-Dec. 2) in Japan. The top three finishers at the World Cup qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Canada gave some of its usual starters a rest and saw Gavin Schmitt lead all scorers with 15 points. Louis-Pierre Mainville added 14 points, and Bernier Christian scored nine points.

“That coach always gets his team ready to compete,” Canadian Head Coach Glenn Hoag said of Mexico Head Coach Jorge Azair. “I really admire him.”

Hoag looked forward to Thursday’s semi final match against Team USA. “It’s an important match for both teams,” he said. “We will put all our energies into having a good match.”

The two team last played at the 2006 World Championships, where the United States won 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 12-25, 25-21, 15-9).