MVB: Four Bisons earn bronze at U21 Pan American Cup with Team Canada

CUBA — For a second consecutive year, Canada’s men’s volleyball U21 roster brought home bronze at the NORCECA Pan American Cup, knocking off Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-15, 25-21, 21-25, 25-16) this past weekend. 

Four Bisons were part of the team, led by head coach Lupo Ludwig, assistant coach Mike Stephens (also an assistant last year), middle Jonah Dueck and setter Sammy Ludwig. Canada had the advantage in kills (56-35), in blocks (10-5) and serves (7-4), with Dueck — a starter throughout the tournament — finishing with 12 points including two kill blocks. 

Dueck also finished the tournament tied for third in aces, with eight, while Ludwig’s best showing was against Haiti with two kill blocks and two aces. 

Next up for Canada is the FIVB U21 World Championship in Bahrain from July 5-16. The top two teams in each pool at the U21 World Championship will advance. Canada will face strong competition, including Poland and Bulgaria along the way. 

“We rebounded well and [the win] shows that we progressed over the tournament,” said Lupo. “Our blocking was better; it’s going in the right direction. We still have a lot of things to work on during the next three weeks to prepare the squad for the U21 World Championship.”