Canada ends first World League weekend undefeated

CESKE BUDEJOVICE, Czech Republic, June 21, 2016 - Canada finished its first FIVB World League Group 2 weekend with a third victory after overpowering host country Czech Republic 3-1 (25-16, 25-23, 24-26, 26-24) today.

Canada’s Fred Winters topped all scorers with 19 points, including a match-winning ace. Petr Michalek had 18 points for the opposition.

“It took mental effort to execute the skills and team play in the pressure here, and with the fatigue,” said acting head coach Larry McKay.

“TJ (Sanders), Rudy Verhoeff, Steve Marshall and Blair Bann played every set this weekend. Fred Winters showed his years of being a top Canadian player with crucial points, and Jay Blankenau scored the deciding points when it looked like we were out of the fourth set. It was a proud moment for the team,” continued McKay.

On Friday, Canada beat China (25-18, 25-22, 25-21), and on Saturday Egypt (25-23, 25-19, 25-16).

"This is the first time we have started World League with three wins on the road," said veteran and captain Fred Winters. "We got a little bit tired in third set, but then Blankenau came on and saved us from service line. It was nice to see because he didn't play this weekend and he did his job."

Next weekend the Canadian team is home to play World League matches in Saskatoon at the SaskTel Centre, June 24 to 26 against Korea, China and Portugal.