Canada comes out on the winning end of five with Italy
HIROSHIMA, Japan, October 13, 2019 - Canada kept its
composure to a win a thrilling contest with Italy 3-2
(19-25, 25-17, 15-25, 25-23, 18-16) at the 2019 FIVB
Volleyball Men’s World Cup on Sunday at Hiroshima’s Green
Arena.
The Canadian side improved its win-loss record to 4-5 with
two more matches to play against Poland and Japan in the
12-team round robin
Gabriele Nelli was match top scorer with 23 points for
Italy. Canada’s team captain, Nicholas Hoag, contributed 21
points to the win; while Stephen Maar scored 20.
“Volleyball is in the blood of the Italians. They have shown
us over the decades how to play volleyball at an extremely
high level. We’ve learned a lot from them, so I thank them
for that, and for these opportunities,” said Canada’s coach
Dan Lewis.
Two days after going five sets with Canada, the U.S. Men
made quick work of Australia, winning 25-14, 25-13, 25-16 on
Sunday.
The U.S. Men (7-2) will rest up to face Russia (4-5) on
Monday. The U.S. will finish the World Cup on Tuesday
against Egypt.
If the U.S. Men hope to medal, they must win their final two
matches as Japan is right behind Matt Anderson led all
scorers with 13 points, Garrett Muagututia added 12 points
and Aaron Russell totaled 10 points.