Canada holds off Dominican Republic for 3-0 victory in NORCECA Olympic Qualifiers – Volleyball news
Teams from Canada and Dominican Republic opened the 2012 NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament on Monday.
In front of more than 450 spectators at Walter Pyramid, Long Beach, California, the Canadian men proved their metal and clinched success in the match. They earned the winning status in three sets after posted 25-21, 25-13, and 25-15 on board. Dominican Republic
failed to give a good competition to No. 17 Canada and suffered the damage.
Solid defence led Canada to victory in the match. Canadian team added 8 blocks in the match, while Dominican Republic responded with only three.
Moreover, too many unforced mistakes of Dominican Republic benefitted the Canadian squad. Dominican Republic committed a total of 19 errors in the match, which evidently show the reason of failure.
On contrary, Canadian team adopted the best strategy and remained remarkably consistent throughout the match. They attempted almost 76 attacks and earned 49 points.
The tandem of Gavin Schmitt led Justin Duff of Canada staged an eye-catching action on the net. They developed a great chemistry between them and frequently traded their positions. They were credited for 12 and 11 points, respectively. The setter of Canadian
team also did a great job. He created perfect opportunities for wing-spikers to hit the ball in right area. Additionally, he also added points on tricky bump-passes, which left the opponents dumb-founded.
On Dominican Republic’s side, Jose Miguel Caceres Gomez went into double-digit scores with a total of 12 points.
Canada opened the match with flurry of points scored on aces and unstoppable spikes. Dominican Republic appeared as irresistible to Canada’s strike and trailed behind at the first technical timeout. However, the DR players put up a valiant effort and chased
the score at 12-all. Meanwhile, Steve Brinkman of Canada tallied a 5-0 run and put his team once again in lead. Thereafter, Dominican Republic could not cover the deficit and dropped first set, 21-25.
In the second set, Canada totally kept the game in hand and heavily influenced the rival side. Dominican Republic ended up with only 13 points in second frame, while Canada cruised past to set points at 25. Third set also came successful for Canada with
10-point lead at 25-15 and Canadian team marched away with 3-0 victory.
“We’re obviously very happy,” Canada Coach Glenn Hoag said. “This was our first match together since last summer. The guys stayed focused. Every match we play here will be a step forward. We have to make adjustments to tour setting and serving.”
“Every time we play the Canadian team they play well,” Dominican Republic Coach Jacinto Compechano commented. “Normally the games are closer. They played well and we have to give them the credit.”
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