Canada shocks Cuba to advance to gold medal final at NORCECA Championships

GATINEAU, Canada, August 20, 2010 – Canada produced the biggest upset this week at the NORCECA junior men’s championships as it defeated top-seeded Cuba 22-25, 25-19, 25-7, 25-15.  The victory also guarantees a spot for Canada at the 2011 world junior championships in Brazil.

“This victory means a lot,” said Canada’s head coach Greg Barthel.  “We came in with a very good plan and played a very good Canadian volleyball game.  I think we are creating our identity here in in Canada for volleyball.”

Matthew Schriemer was dynamite for the Canadians producing 21 points.  Nicholas Hoag continued to deliver bullet smashes and scored 16 while Justin Olmstead added 12.

“The players worked so hard together and played so hard for each other,” said Barthel.  “We had a goal of being a top- two in this tournament. We are there now but we don’t want to stop.”

“We knew Cuba was going to come out strong,” said Canada’s captain Tristan Aubry. “We focused really well and played great for the rest of the game.”

The stunner in the match was third set which produced one of the most lopsided sets in the entire tournament. “After the second set it was very bad,” said Cuba’s coach Roberto Garcia.  “Our timing and tactics were off and there was no concentration in the court.