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. |