Great news from Canada’s men’s volleyball team!
After losing to Slovakia yesterday at the 2012 World League Qualification Tournament (26-28, 25-22, 23-25, 23-25) in Ottawa, Freddie Winters led Canada with 17 points to defeat the Slovaks aka 2011 European League Champion in straight sets (28-26, 25-17, 25-17).
Canada won the two-match first round qualifying series and will now face Puerto Rico next month. The winner of this second qualifying round wins a ticket to the 2012 edition of the prestigious World League tournament.
Winters was supported by Toon Van Lankvelt with 16 points and Gavin Schmitt with 13.
‘’For us this was a very big accomplishment. These two matches were a great opportunity to evaluate our team which something we haven’t had a chance to do often in game situations. I hope our team can grow from this.” said Canada’s head coach Glenn Hoag.
Special Volleywood Shout Out from Winters while in Germany this past club season:
In case you didn’t know, the last time Canada competed in the World League was 4 years ago and finished 13th.
We’d like to congratulate Coach Hoag, Winters, Schmitt and Team Canada for this great victory in front of more than 2,000 fans!
We wish you the best in the next round.
Side Dish: In the other qualifying round, China defeated Egypt in straight sets (29-27, 25-22, 25-22). Second match will be on July 31st in Taicang, China.
(images: FIVB/ Volleyball Canada)