USA and Canada improve to 3-0 in World League
LONG BEACH, United States, June 6, 2014 – The United States held
off Russia’s comeback and extended their 2014 World League
winning streak to three In Pool B with a 3-2 (25-17, 27-25,
20-25, 27-25, 15-12) victory over Russia on Friday at the Walter
Pyramid in Long Beach.
Russia (0-3) will look for its first 2014 World League win when
the two teams play again on Saturday at the Pyramid.
The U.S. attack was in high gear as it led in kills, 76-46 and
its serving was also tough with six aces to Russia’s one. Team
USA led in blocks 6-1. But Russia also converted 36 U.S. errors
to points while committing 18.
U.S. opposite Matt Anderson led all scorers on Friday with 34
points on 31 kills, one block and two aces. Outside hitter
Taylor Sander added 22 points on 18 attacks, two blocks and two
kills. Denis Biriukov led Russia with 22 points on 20 attacks,
one block and one kill.
In Liège, Belgium, Canada pulled
off a five-set win (22-25, 25-21, 25-17-, 20-25, 16-14) against
Belgium in Pool C.
Gord Perrin was Canada’s top scorer with 18 and Gavin Schmitt
contributed 16 points. Adam Simac, in his 2014 World League
debut, was in fine form with 14 points – including seven blocks.
Belgium, also known as the Red Dragons, saw standout
performances from Bram Van den Dries and Sam Deroo, who had 17
points each.
Canada is now 3-0 in World League play, after banking two
matches against Finland last weekend in Calgary, Alberta. |