Canada’s serves made things complicated for Chile

LIMA, Peru, May 5, 2019 - Canada defeated Chile 3-1 (25-17, 25-12, 22-25, 25-15) in the first game of Pool B of the U21 Men’s Pan American Volleyball Cup, event that offers the last berth to the U21 Volleyball World Championship.

The Chilean team had difficulties to stop the powerful Canadian services, and although they managed to force the fourth set; the winning team regained speed in their offensive and the strength of their block to stop Chile and get the win. 

Canada had 13 direct points in serve, in addition it subdued its adversary in attack (45-22) and blocks (8-4). Chile reduced its unforced errors to 31, while the winning team had 43.

 Xander Ketrzynski and Michael Dowhaniuk were the top scorers with 21 and 19 points respectively; followed by Brodie Hofer with 11 points. For Chile, the top individual scorer was Vicente Ibarra with 9 points.

 Michael Dowhaniuk, captain of Canada: Chile has a lot more time playing as a team than us, that is why we were looking to put pressure from the beginning with the serve and blocking; We are very happy that the result was achieved and to start the tournament with victory.

Vicente Ibarra, captain of Chile: They rolled over us, they were very superior in the first two sets and although we regained confidence in the fourth set we could not keep up. Tomorrow we play against a known rival, we will go out and do our best game.

Canada will open the second day of action of Pool B, on Monday 6 at 2:00 pm playing against Colombia. On the other hand, Chile will face the host, Peru, at 8:00 p.m.