Canada Takes Silver
In another spectacular match of five sets, the US team revalidated its title as champions of the Fourth Men’s Pan American Cup with a victory over Team Canada. This victory was a replay of the last edition of the event, the Americans defeating the Canadians in that final also.
The Canadians had the lead in the match 2-1, losing the first set in a tight contest and coming back to win the second on a romp. The Canadians won a closely fought third set but the experience of the Americans was the key in the two following sets to take the win. Scores were 32-30, 16-25, 24-26, 25-17, 15-12.
The Canadian team had dominated the blocking 17-8 but most of those were in the first three sets. The Americans kept there composure when down 2-1, adjusting their quick game and blocking at the corners.
“A little frustrated with the final result, but the fast pace of their setter was crucial for the victory of US and also their experience prevailed in the key moments,ā€¯ said George Laplante, the coach of Team Canada.
Gavin Smith led Canada with 22 points, Justin Duff and Adam Simac each had 14 and Steve Gotch and ToontjevanĀ Lankvelt had 11 and 10 points respectively.
Final Positions:
1. USA, 2. Canada, 3. Dominican Republic, 4. Puerto Rico, 5. Mexico, 6 Guatemala, 7.Panama
photo courtesy norceca.org
