Canada’s Jansen Vandoorn Reflects On “Toughest Loss”

It’s going to sting for a long time because the truth is that ALMOST EVERYONE expected Canada to win against Cuba and go to the Olympics in Rio.

The 15th ranked Cuban squad, led by tourney MVP Rolando Cepeda, played their best volleyball against the world’s 10th ranked team in front of their home crowd to win a spot in this year’s Olympic Games. The players, the coaching staff, the crowd and the Canadian fans could hardly believe the result:

Cuba 3-0 Canada (25-15, 25-21, 25-21)

Canadian players who are usually active on Instagram have NOT posted anything except for Jansen Vandoorn.

Yesterday was the toughest loss of my career. Words can't describe the disappointment we feel, but we don't have time to hang out heads. Time to start preparing for Japan…this dream isn't over!

A photo posted by Dan JVD (@daniel_jvd) on Jan 11, 2016 at 5:06pm PST

Coach Hoag, who was interviewed last Jan. 10th by lapresse.ca, admits that they were “confident” before the tournament that Canada would finally make it another Olympic appearance after 24 years.

The loss really hurts.

BUT!

It’s not over for Coach Hoag and Canada. The North American squad will compete at the World Olympic Olympic Qualification Tourney in Japan.

It’s going to be tougher Olympic journey for Canada who will play against some of the world’s best teams like Poland, France and Iran.

Let’s just hope Gavin Schmitt will be healthy enough to play.

THEY NEED GAVIN!