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GATINEAU, Canada, June 23, 2015 – Canada took the lead in Pool A
of the U21 Men’s Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-23,
25-14) victory over Mexico Tuesday at the Centre Sportif de
Gatineau.
Both teams, who will play at the World Championships next
September in Mexico, played very evenly in the first two sets.
Mexico overcame a 13-16 deficit taking advantage of some
mistakes by the host team to get the lead 19-17.
With the score 23-23, Canada sealed the victory following a
failed serve by their opponents and an ace by Blake Scheerhoorn.
Both teams continued to play at a similar level, but Canada
finished strong 25-23 with an ace by Arthur Szwarc.
The host squad played more effectively in the third set and
their strong serve and blocking was crucial in securing a 25-14
victory and 3-0 win overall.
Brandon Koppers led the Canadian attack with 11 points, one more
than Blake Scheerhoorn. Alan Martinez (8 points) and Yostin
Frias (7) were the leading scorers for Mexico.
Enrique Ugalde, captain of Mexico: "Overall, we had a good game.
The first two sets were close. We felt the absence of our main
setter, who could not travel here, but we need to adjust
accordingly. The first two sets, it could have gone either way.
But in the third set, we lost some of our focus at times. Canada
made less mistakes and served harder. We showed today we can be
competitive against a top team like Canada. This first match
allowed us to know where we are at and we have great
expectations for our next match against Chile tomorrow to
continue progressing in this tournament. Hosting the World
Championships also gives us extra motivation to perform well."
Victor Porras, head coach of Mexico: "We had two good sets, but
we need to close strong. The game showed us we can play at par
with strong teams like Canada. We need to adjust a few things
and the lack of international experience in some players was
also seen today. Our players understand the importance of the
next game and will prepare to perform better tomorrow.”
John Barrett, head coach of Canada: “We played a very nervous
first match of the tournament at home which I think is very
normal for a team at this stage. We’ve done a little bit of
training but we haven’t played much competition so I would say
this is an expected match and I’m very happy to win it, and have
won it 3-0. I’m happy we had the chance to play more than our
starting six or seven players. A good start, we’re going to get
better and hopefully quickly.”
Ryan Nickifor, captain of Canada: “I think we came out a little
nervous and shaky and it took us a little while to get the
nerves out but once that happened I thought we played really
well in the third. Moving on I think we can play a little more
free and a little bit better. It was a big thing getting the
first game out of the way. I’m excited for the rest of the week,
we have a deep bench and it’s very exciting to compete finally
after three weeks of training and seeing it all come together.” |
