Canada takes first in Group B and advances to quarterfinals

GATINEAU, Canada, June 15, 2011 – Gavin Schmitt scored 20 points to lead Canada to a 25-18, 25-23, 25-14 victory over the Dominican Republic on Wednesday and a berth in the quarterfinals at the Pan Am Cup men’s volleyball tournament.

The Canadians conclude the round robin at 2-0 for first place in Pool B.  Brazil and the U.S., first in Group A and C respectively get byes to the semis because they had the best points for and against ratio among the first place teams. The Dominicans (0-2) head to the consolation playoff.

Canada joins the three second place teams in the quarterfinals and face Mexico Thursday night at the Centre Robert-Guertin in Gatineau.  The other quarter pits Argentina against Puerto Rico.

‘’There are areas we showed improvement especially our serving which was very good tonight,’’ said Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag.  ‘’I think it’s good for us to play another match.  Mexico is a young team that can play really well.’’

Canada’s team captain Fred Winters says there is a lot of room for improvement. ‘’We just have to keep working,’’ he said.  ‘’I know we can be better.’’

John Gordon added eight points for the victors while Justin Duff and Adam Kaminski added six apiece. Eduardo Concepcion led the Dominicans with 12 points while Luis Pedro Garcia added 10. 

‘’The team you saw in the first and second set, that was my real team,’’ said the Dominican’s head coach Jacinto Campechano.  ‘’Overall it was a good match for our guys but we lacked concentration in the third set.’’

‘’Canada was really tough against the block,’’ added Dominican Republic’s captain Tolinson Aquino.  ‘’It was a good experience.’’