Canada opened the 2013 NORCECA men’s volleyball Continental championships with a convincing straight sets victory over Guatemala.
The teams were the final game of the opening day of the week-long championships being held at the Langley Events Centre.
Canada won all three sets by identical 25-10 scores.
And the team’s blockers led the way with a combined 22 blocks over the three sets compared to none for Guatemala.
Some early big blocks got the Canadian crowd into the game as the atmosphere at the Langley Events Centre was in fine form to kick start the tournament. Rudy Verhoeff was a beast at the net for Canada with a game-high eight blocks, as the Trinity Western alumni looked right at home.
Canada put together a balanced attack making it difficult for Guatemala to stay with them offensively. Gavin Schmitt led the way with seven kills followed closely by Gord Perrin, Fred Winters and Dallas Soonias who all had six kills apiece. Guatemala’s Leonardo Blanco had a match high 10 kills for his team in a losing cause.
It was the start Canada wanted and they got contribution from everyone who stepped on the floor tonight.
Canada is back in action on Sept. 25 against Mexico at 8pm and with a win Canada has a chance to secure a semi-final match.
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In Monday’s other two opening games, it was the United States defeating St. Lucia and Cuba beat the Bahamas. Both matches were 3-0.
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