United States overcame Canada to reach the semifinals

HAVANA, Cuba, August 29, 2018 - In a train clash the United States edged Canada 3-1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-23, 26-24) requiring just over two hours to subdue its strong opponent to advance as leader of group B to the semi-finals of the Norceca Sub-21 Men's Volleyball Tournament.

The match was enjoyed by the fans at the Ciudad Deportiva, as well as by followers of the nationwide telecast by Tele Rebelde channel, where the United States shone with its impressive service, led by the opposite Jaylen Jasper, the top scorer of the contest with 23 points, 11 of them for serving aces of the 19 aces of his team.

Also with double digits contributed the wing spiker John Reilly (15), center Samuel Lewis (13) and also wing spiker Devin Joslyn (10).

For the Canadian team, the top players were Brodie Hofer (16), center Fynnian McCarthy (13), and both with 12 points, the opposite Xander Ketrzynki and the other spiker Michael Dowhaniuk.

United States took advantage in attack (46-43) and in service (19-6), and their rivals reached more blocks (7-5) and fewer unforced errors (29-30).

"Part of the success of this team has to do with those who previously worked with them because it is a process that began at a young age in tactical and physical terms, and open their mentality. The match was excellent in one part and enough in most, we had the luck that at the time the perfect play was made. Tomorrow the players to rest and us to work", said pleased the American technical director Janoh Carson.

Corner player Devin Joslyn said: "Canada started very strong, but it seems that what we did with the coaches before traveling here served to be ready against this team, which has good physique and jumps very well. However, they are not the same, we tried to do our best because we knew it was going to be a great fight and it was good to win ".

Michael Dowhaniuk, Canadian captain, said "we feel a lot of pressure, we do not play as we could have done, Americans have a good physique, like us, but they have a very powerful service that we did not know how to control, that's the difference".

The Brazilian Joao Paulo Bravo, coach of Canada, considered that "the youth of my team made them feel the first set, from then on we played better, but we suffered a lot with the serve, the opponents risked it to a great extent for their good and we need to improve in that aspect. Also, we did not know how to take advantage of the small opportunities, but there was too much pressure with the service, that's why I'm proud of them because they fought point by point."