MATCH INFO

Niterói, Brazil, August 10, 2011 – Canada defeated Japan, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-19), winning the 11th position in the FIVB Volleyball Men´s Junior World Championship 2011.

For the second time, Japan and Canada met at Caio Martins gymnasium. Their first clash was in the second round, with Canada winning 3-0. Canada finishes the tournament with an overall record of 4-4. Japan is 2-6.

Canadian Tommy Belisle was the leading scorer on the court, scoring 18 points on 16 attacks, one block and one service ace. Takashi Dekita led the Japanese side with 16 attacks. Canada got 31 points out of their opponent’s errors, while Japan only got 21 points. Japan led in attacks (38-35), but Canada led in blocks (6-1) and aces (3-2). 

In the first set, Japan led 8-4 at the first technical timeout (TTO), scoring on six attacks, many of which were tipped over Canada’s defense. Japan continued to lead at the second TTO, 16-11 and looked to be in control of the match at 21-16 and 23-20. But Canada’s Tommy Belisle scored on a tip, then took the serve and helped his team score the next five points, including his own back-row attack and two Canada blocks, to give the North Americans the set victory.

Canada’s momentum carried into the second set as it took an 8-4 lead at the first TTO. The North American side increased its lead to 12-7. Japan pulled to within two at 13-11, but then served into the net , followed by a Canada attack to give them the 15-11 lead. Canada reached set point first at 24-20 and won the set on a quick attack by Tristan Aubry.

The teams kept the score close in the third set until it was tied 12-12. Japan’s spike attempt hit the net and Bradley Kufske added a spike to give Canada a two-point lead. Japan called timeout, but Canada responded with a strike from Lucas Van Berkel. Canada went on to lead 16-13 at the second TTO and cruised to the set and match victory.