Canada Overcomes Errors to Beat Mexico

CHARLESTON, W.Va., USA (Sept. 6, 2023) – Canada overcame 22 service errors to beat Mexico 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-20) at the NORCECA Men’s Senior Continental Championship on Wednesday at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

Canada won its three-team pool at 2-0. Mexico will play the Dominican Republic on Thursday to determine second place.

Canada led Mexico in attacks (42-26), blocks (6-4) and aces (7-0). Mexico scored 26 points on Canada errors while giving up 20.

Canada outside hitter Eric Loeppky led all scorers with 13 points on 10 attacks and a match-high three aces. Outside hitter Stephen Maar added 11 points on nine attacks, one block and one ace.

Mexico opposite Luis Hernadez Baca led his team with 11 points on 10 kills and one block. Middle blocker Victor Parra Valenzuela had a match-high of three blocks.

Canada Coach Tuomas Sammelvuo: “We have to serve better. We cannot make 22 service mistakes in three sets. Our side out and attack were at very good level. The motor kept going and gave us a chance to play at a high level.”

Mexico Coach Jorge Miguel Azair: “We need to improve our attack. The Canadian block is very tall so we need a quicker attack.”