MATCH INFO
Canada wins first match in the second round
Canada's Tyler Sanders (15) and Lucas Van Berkel (12) block against Japan's Yamato Fushimi.
Niterói, Brazil, August 5, 2011 – With a large band of Canadian and Brazilian supporters, not to mention playing their last three matches in Caio Martins gymnasium, the North Americans had the home court advantage as they swept Japan, 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-14) in the first Pool G match on Friday, winning their first match of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2011.
Canada opens the second round with a 1-0 record and 1-3 overall. Japan is 0-1 in the second round and 2-2 overall.
Canada's Tristan Aubry led the winners with 14 points on nine attacks, four blocks and one service ace. Nicholas Hoag and Lucas Van Berkel added 11 points each.
Takashi Dekita, the tournament's leading scorer to this point, topped Japan with a match-high 16 points, including two blocks and two service winners.
Canada out-hit Japan 32-22 and also led in blocks, 16-4 and aces, 9-2. Japan struggled with its receptions.
In the first set, Canada opened up a 5-1 lead, causing Japan to call timeout. The strategy worked temporarily as Canada’s next serve went into the net. But Japan could not take advantage as Canada scored the next four straight points. Canada held a 16-7 lead at the second technical timeout (TTO) and Japan never threatened. Canada led in attacks, 9-5, in blocks, 5-0 and in service aces, 4-0. Japan’s Takashi Dekita, leading scorer, and leading scorer of the tournament so far, was held to one point.
Japan got off to a better start in the second set, but with Canada leading 6-5, Aubry scored with a kill, and then took the serve and helped his team score the next five points for a 12-5 lead. Japan was not able to rally, but Dekita led his team with eight points on seven spikes and one service ace in the set while Aubry paced Canada.
Canada held an 8-4 lead at the first TTO of the third set. With Canada leading 10-7, Aubry scored with a right-side attack and then served for the next five points, giving Canada a 16-7 edge at the second TTO. Japan never rallied. Canada captain Tyler Sanders served for Canada’s final five points.
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