Winnipeg, Canada,September 13,- Murray Grapentine and Fred Winters led Canada to a 3-0 triumph over Puerto Rico and one semi final berth against Cuba in the Norceca Men’s Continental Championships, a qualifier to the Grand Champions Cup in Japan next November.

Grapentine scored 13 points and Winters added 12 in the easy victory by score of 25-15, 25-20, 25-14. Puerto Rico and Mexico will meet today in a match for the fifth place.

It was do or die for the Canada if they were to remain in the hunt for the top of the podium. Puerto Rico always plays with great emotion and it was evident at the start of set one that both teams were on fire.

Canada had the early edge taking a narrow 8-6 lead at the first technical time out. Canada would widen the gap going up 14-8 and leading 16-8 at the second technical time out. Canada continued to roll from their posting a lop-sided 25-15 victory.

Set two Canada started where they left off up 8-7 at the first technical time out. Canada remained on top by one 16-15 at the second technical time out. Puerto Rico would tie the game at 14-14 and it remained deadlocked. At 19-19, Canada struck again with 4 unanswered points to lead 23-19. That would be enough and the Canadians went on to win the set 25-20.

It was clear that Canada wanted to end this match opening up a 7-2 lead in the third set. Canada would maintain the advantage leading 10-5. Solid blocking by Canada would contribute to their tally opening up a 16-9 lead by the second technical time out. Before Puerto Rico knew what hit them Canada increased their lead to 22-12. It was only a matter of time before Canada nailed the coffin shut winning the set 25-14.