Canada regroups for a decisive win over Portugal

MENDOZA, Argentina June 1, 2006 - Canada’s men’s team earned its first win today in the opening weekend of Volleyball Nations League defeating Portugal 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-16) in Mendoza.

Sharone Vernon-Evans contributed 15 points, while Stephen Maar had 14.

Yesterday the team opened with at 3-1 loss to Bulgaria, and meets host Argentina tomorrow.

"The team played a focused match today," said Canada’s coach Glenn Hoag. "(Setter) Brett Walsh ran a nice offense. We started slow with our serving, but got into a rhythm as the match progressed. I am very happy with the win, but now we turn our focus to tomorrow’s match against Argentina.” 

“I am happy that we were able to get our first victory of the VNL," said Canada’s team captain, Gordon Perrin, “especially after a very poor and disappointing performance against Bulgaria yesterday. We have a lot of work to do before we are playing the level we need to be at, but we are happy to take a step in the right direction.”