Canada upsets Chile and will play for the gold

PANAMA CITY, Panama, June 26, 2011 – Canada avenged a previous loss suffered in pool play by defeating Chile in straight sets (25-17, 25-18, 25-23) to advance to the gold medal of the U-21 Men’s Volleyball Pan American Cup.

Chile had won Pool B with 3-0 win-loss record including a five-set victory over Canada in the first day of the competition. The Canadians finished pool play with a 1-2 mark good for third place.

The Canadians won the battle at the net with 10 blocks against only 4 from the Chilean side while both teams recorded three service winners apiece.

Nicholas Hoag led Canada with 14 points while Daniel Moureau and Bradley Kufske each contributed 11 tallies and Lukas Van Berkell added nine. Vicente Parraguirre was the only Chilean player who scored in double figures with 14 points.

Chile had won Pool B with 3-0 including a 3-2 victory over Canada in the first day of the competition. The Canadians finished pool play with a 1-2 mark good for third place.

Canada’s coach Georges Laplante said this time they studied their opponent, corrected their mistakes and could dominate above all in the blocking category. Chile’s Daniel Nejamkin said his team battle hard but the Canadian team was a lot different than the one of the previous match.”

Despite the loss, Nejamkin still hopes to win the bronze medal and the achievement can serve as a booster to growth the sport of volleyball in his country.

Canadian captain Tyler Sanders said his team is determined to play its best game in the final, with responsibility and respecting the rival whoever is the opponent.