Recap: Canada Earns a Semi-Final Berth at NORCECA Championship
(Sept. 25) Langley, BC – Team Canada finished off pool play in style with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-12) win over Mexico on day three of the 2013 NORCECA Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship. With the win Canada earned a bye to the semi-finals on Friday night (September 27).
The first set between Canada and Mexico was close from start to finish with Canada pulling away at the end. Gordon Perrin from Creston, BC, had a strong match for Canada registering a total of 15 kills as he led the way for Canada offensively. Perrin was a threat all night as Canada’s setter Josh Howatson did a great job spreading the ball around, giving his teammates lots of easy kills.
After a close first set Canada really took over as their block again gave them momentum. Canada had 22 blocks against Guatemala in their first match of the tournament and followed it up with a 12 block night against Mexico. Perrin led the way in the block department as well with 5, followed closely by Calgary Alberta native Rudy Verhoeff who had 3. Dallas Soonias also had a strong game for Canada after having a bit of a slow start, he really stepped up in the later sets adding 12 kills for his team.
“They pushed us in the first two sets and had a very good defense and made us work for every point,” said Canadian captain Fred Winters who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday.
Canada did exactly what they needed to do beating Mexico in straight sets and booking their ticket to the semi-finals. They almost earned the number one seed heading into the playoffs as it came down to points, they were only one point behind USA. Canada will enjoy another rest day as they face the winner of Cuba and the Dominican Republic in the semi-finals.

For a complete schedule and more details on the tournament visit http://www.langleyeventscentre.com/continentalvolleyball

PUERTO RICO 3-0 BAHAMAS (25-10, 25-17, 25-20)
Puerto Rico clinched a berth in the quarterfinals of the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship after winning against Bahamas in straight sets, 25-10, 25-17, 25-20. Roberto Muñiz finished with 15 points for Puerto Rico while Sequiel Sánchez scored 13 and Ezequiel Cruz 10. For Bahamas, captain Prince’Tanique Wilson was the top scorer with 12. Puerto Rico will face Mexico in the quarterfinals.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 3-0 SAINT LUCIA (25-19, 25-12, 25-23)
The Dominican Republic earned its first victory at the NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship. The Dominicans who now are 1-1 defeated Saint Lucia 3-0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-23). Last set was a challenge for the team coached by Osiel Vazquez, after Saint Lucia had a short advantage.  However, Elvis Contreras tallied 15 points, while José Miguel Cáceres scored 9 points for the Dominican cause. For Saint Lucia, Joseph Clercent finished with 10.  Dominican Republic will match Cuba in the quarterfinals.