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DETROIT, USA, May 22, 2015 – Canada assured itself a spot in the
FIVB World Cup with a 25-12, 25-20, 25-13 win over Mexico at the
NORCECA Champions Cup at Joe Louis Arena on Friday.
The FIVB World Cup is the first qualification tournament for the
2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Canada (2-0) will have nothing to lose when it plays the United
States in Saturday’s finale of the round-robin tournament at 6
p.m. ET. Mexico (0-2) will face Cuba at 4 p.m.
“First, we haven’t qualified for World Cup since 2003 and that
is important for our program,” Canada Head Coach Glenn Hoag
said. “Second, this is the first step to Rio, and that is also
important for us. It will allow us to get some amazing exposure
for us playing the top teams.”
Canada led in kills (38-27) while Mexico held the edge in blocks
(5-4). Each team had one ace. Canada scored 32 points off Mexico
errors while giving up 12 points.
“This tournament, for us, is completely for development,” Mexico
Coach Juan Roberto Vilches said. “We believe it has been good
for us and we believe we will have a better game tomorrow.”
Canada’s opposite Gavin Schmitt led all scorers with 12 points
on 10 kills and two blocks. Outside hitter Toontje Van Lankvelt
added eight points on six kills and two blocks.
Middle blocker Jose Martinez led Mexico with nine points on
seven kills and two blocks. |
