Canada won Pool B by defeating Mexico 

 

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 8, 2008.- Canada won Pool B of the NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualifier by defeating Mexico 25-21, 25-19, 26-24.

 

The Canadians finished with a 3-0 mark and advanced directly to the semi final round. Mexico (1-2) finished third and will meet the loser of the match between USA and Puerto Rico in the quarter finals.

 

Dallas Soonias and Fred Winters topped Canada with 15 and 12 points respectively and Mexico had Ivan Contreras (17), Gustavo Meyer (11) and Irving Bricio (10) in double-digits.

 

“This is very important victory for us,” said Glenn Hoag, the coach of Canada. “We have been going step by step, focusing on every game and every point, and that is the approach we will continue to take.”

 

“The day off will give us the chance to analyze and scout our next opponents. Today I knew we had to play against a very organized team like Mexico. I wish them the best of luck in their next match.”

 

Canada scored seven points in blocking to cement their path to the victory in the first set where Soonias scored on six spikes.

 

Mexico was close (14-15) in the second set, but Soonias scored on consecutive spikes and the Cannucks built an insuperable margin.

 

Canada was ahead all the time in the third set, but Mexico at tied at 23-all with a spike by Meyer. With the teams equalled at 24-all, Brinkman and Cardinal connected spikes for the win.