August 12, 2022: Team Canada won in the tie-break 3-2 (22-25, 25-20, 21-25,25-20, 15-7) over Brazil to top Group B at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec last night to advance directly to semifinals.
“We really had a tough time scoring at first and we had to adapt and find the combination that was going to give them trouble,” said Canada’s coach Dan Lewis. “These guys have been working so hard all summer and it takes a lot of focus to stay in a match like that (against Brazil)…. This sets us up for a bit more rested semi-final, which is going to be huge. I’m really proud of these guys. It’s incredible to work with this group.”
Canada, with two wins and a loss in Group B, advanced directly to the semifinals to be held on Saturday. Undefeated Cuba won Group A.
Last night Canada led in attack points (57-38) as well as in service points (11-8) and made the most of the young Brazilian team’s errors. Brazil was the better blocking team in this match with 11 to Canada’s eight points. Jordan Canham was top scorer for Canada with 15 points, followed by teammate Brodie Hofer who contributed 14 to the score card.
Lukas Felipe Bergmann led the up-and-coming Brazil squad’s efforts with 17 points.
The semi-final matchups will be decided after today’s quarterfinals. The tournament, which will decide a berth to the Pan American Games, now moves in the playoff phase.
Tickets are still available for matches today (quarterfinals), Saturday (semifinals) and Sunday’s medal matches.
Canada’s roster
Luke Herr (captain) Winnipeg, MB
Max Elgert, Edmonton, AB
Fynn McCarthy, Lake Country, BC
Jordan Schnitzer, Surrey, BC
Xander Ketrzynski, Toronto, ON
Marc Wilson, Stratford, ON
Brodie Hofer, Langley, BC
Jordan Canham, Avonmore, ON
Sam Cooper, Hamilton, ON
Mathias Elser, Calgary, AB
Cole Ketrzynski, Toronto, ON
Logan House, Barrie, ON
Justin Lui (libero), Pickering, ON
Jordan Pereira (libero), St. Catharines, ON
STAFF
Dan Lewis – Head Coach
Brad Hudson – Assistant Coach
Grant Wilson – Assistant Coach
Lionel Bonnaure – Statistician
Melissa Healy – Therapist
Georges Laplante – Team Manager
- Tickets are available on the Centre Slush Puppie website: https://billetterie.centreslushpuppie.com/Online/
- NORCECA event webpage: https://bit.ly/3z7jyKQ
- WATCH online: YouTube and www.cbcsports.ca (Sunday only)
Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676