Sept 20, 2023: Canada is now 2-0 at the NORCECA Pan American Cup Men’s Final Six Cup, held September 19 to 24 at the Flair Airlines Hangar at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
Canada defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22) in the evening match on Wednesday. Canada led in attack, 60 to 42 points, while blocking (11-12) and service points (2-2) were almost even. Dominican Republic capitalized on Canada’s errors (27-23).
Dominican Adrián Figueroa Lantigua led all scoring with 19 points; Canada’s Isaac Heslinga led his team with 16 points, followed by Isaiah Mamer with 13 on the score sheet.
“The big thing coming in for us for figuring out our hand pass; we knew they are a big float serve team, so it took a bit to warm up to that,” explained Canada’s team captain, outside hitter Isaac Heslinga. “After we figured that out, I think we had the win… Consistency is important for us. We are still learning to work together and find our team dynamic. I feel we are coming together slowly, and I’m excited to see what we can do for the rest of the week.”
Dominican Republic is 0-2 so far in the tournament.
Canada plays Cuba next on Sept. 21 at 7 pm local time.
The participating teams are Canada, USA, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. All matches will be held at the Flair Airlines Hangar (Hall D) in The Edmonton Expo Centre.
Tickets, with group rates for 20-plus, are available at www.ticketmaster.ca
Team Canada (Final 6)
Christopher Byam, Bow Island, AB
Jonah Dueck, Rosenort, MB
Reeve Gingera, Calgary, AB
Mason Greves, Calgary, AB
Isaac Heslinga, Orangeville, ON
Zachary Hollands, Victoriaville, QC
Liam Kristjanson, Oak River, MB
Isaiah Mamer, Wilkie, SK
Darian Picklyk, Winnipeg, MB
Jonathan Portelance, Sherbrooke, QC
Jacob Sargent, Lethbridge, AB
Kaden Schmidt, Mississauga, ON
Cory Schoenherr, Waterloo, ON
James Vincett, Calgary, AB
Staff:
Dan Lewis, Head Coach
Georges Laplante, Assistant Coach
Yung Yung Wong, Sport Physiotherapist
Viewing Guide:
Canada’s matches: www.cbcsports.ca
All matches: Volleyball Canada’s YouTube Channel : https://bit.ly/47v1GIK
Volleyball Canada Media Contact:
Jackie Skender
jskender@volleyball.ca
Mobile: 613-794-7676
Photo: NORCECA (Jason Franson)