DETROIT — Canada’s men’s volleyball team defeated the United States in five sets on Saturday at the NORCECA Champions Cup.
Canada, which had already secured a World Cup berth by reaching the finals, beat the Americans 25-22, 19-25, 21-25, 25-21 and 17-15.
"It was really hard fought," said Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag. "Our block defence did a good job tonight. Our young setter, TJ (Sanders) did a pretty good job of changing it up as we know the U.S. has a really strong block.
"We also handled their serves, as that was the hardest thing with them being such a great serving team."
Steve Marshall of Abbotsford, B.C., stepped up for Canada with 21 points while U.S. star Matt Anderson was his team’s top contributor with 24 points.
"It means a lot as we don’t beat the U.S. very often," said Canadian captain and Victoria native Fred Winters.
"I can’t remember the last time we beat them when they had their full team. … We were both qualified, but it was nice to play with three or four non-starters, and to compete so well and win. It proves that our level is really increasing."
Canada is ranked 14th in the FIVB world rankings while the U.S. stands fifth.
The FIVB World Cup will be held in Japan in September 2015 and is the first qualification tournament for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Canada now travels to Bulgaria for world league and then heads to the Maritimes for two weekends of top-level volleyball action.