Canada opened with a 3-2 (20-25,24-26,25-18,25-13,15-13) victory on Tuesday night in Mexico, rallying from two sets down against a team made up of 15, 16 and 17-year-olds.
The Trinity Western Spartans, who are representing Canada at the event, turned the match around with an impressive third set, a dominant fourth set and a tight fifth.
Nick Del Bianco led the way offensively with 16 kills and three aces while Brad Kufske had 16 kills and three blocks.
“I thought tonight was a great example of how a great volleyball tam with great skills can overcome a size mismatch,” said Spartans coach Ben Josephson.
“We were clearly the older, more experienced, bigger and stronger team but Mexico showed great system, great discipline and great ball control.
“It’s a great lesson for our team how important skills are to play this game really well.”
Canada plays tonight (Thursday) at 8 p.m. against the Dominican Republic.
The 6 p.m. game features Brazil vs. Argentina.
Matches continue on Friday and Saturday, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The bronze medal match is Sunday at 3 p.m. and the gold medal championship game is at 5 p.m.
