Canada sweeps Mexico in qualifier opener

 

VANCOUVER, Canada, January 10, 2020 - The NORCECA Men’s Tokyo Qualification Tournament kicked off at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, British Columbia, today with Canada beating Mexico, and Cuba defeating Puerto Rico.

 

Canada downed Mexico 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-17). Stephen Maar led Canada in scoring with 11 points.

 

"This was the first game we’ve played together since last summer so we were a little tentative and a little rusty at the start, but we settled down and we started flowing,” said Canada’s coach Glenn Hoag.

 

"We were able to get our nerves out and play a solid game and prepare for the rest of the tournament,” said Canada’s team captain Gord Perrin (Creston, BC), who contributed nine points to Canada’s effort. "Everybody’s going to be important and we want everybody to be at their best so that they can be available if we need them.”

 

Canada plays Cuba on Saturday - the Cubans beat Puerto Rico in tonight’s second match 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-19).

 

"They’re a good team, very physical and very powerful.” Hoag said of playing Cuba. "They rely on that. We’re going to have to be patient. One key is how well we’re going to serve."