Canada secures semifinal berth in World League volleyball
Defeats Russia in straight sets after loss to Brazil to open Final Six
Canada rebounded Wednesday in World League volleyball, defeating Russia in straight sets to advance to the Final Six semifinals in Curitiba, Brazil.
The Canadian men's indoor squad prevailed 25-23, 29-27, 25-17 in a Pool A match at Arena de Baixada, site of soccer's 2014 World Cup.
- Brazil hands Canada 4-set loss to begin Final Six
- 'Sky the limit' for youngster Sharone Vernon-Evans
On Tuesday, Canada opened Final Six play with a four-set loss to the host Brazilians, the reigning Olympic champions.
The Canadians (1-1) will play Friday at 2:05 p.m. ET or 4:40 p.m. against an undetermined opponent. Serbia (no record) faces the United States (0-1) in a Pool B match Wednesday at 10:40 p.m. Pool B play concludes Thursday with France (1-0) opposing Serbia.
"We knew playing Brazil was going to be tough," Canada captain Gord Perrin said moments after Wednesday's win. "This is the game we wanted to win and we took care of business.
"We've played resilient all World League. It's been a battle. We trust each other and that's what we did tonight."
"We are very happy," said Canada's head coach, Stephane Antiga. "I'm not sure it was our best game, but one more time, it's not easy (in this tournament). We made fewer mistakes [Wednesday, compared with Tuesday's 3-1 loss to Brazil] and played some good volleyball.
"The first two sets were hard and then I think we took advantage of the lead. It's comforting to know that we are in the semi-final."
In July 2013, the 18th-ranked Canadians overcame a two-set deficit to stun No. 2 Russia, the 2012 Olympic champions, in five sets in its opening match of the World League Final.
Sharone Vernon-Evans, the youngest player on the Canadian squad at 18, led the way with 14 points on 12-of-23 spiking, one block and one service point. Stephen Maar and Perrin added 12 points apiece.
"It's nice to help my team, and I'm just trying to implement what my coaches have told me to do," said Vernon-Evans. "And I'm hoping to continue to improve as we move into the semifinals."
The Russians nearly saved the second set with a pair of monster blocks, but Canada eked out the win and never looked back.
"Monster block" from Russia avoids the Canadian set point <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIVBworldleague?src=hash">#FIVBworldleague</a> <a href="https://t.co/zE0TqfiYxr">pic.twitter.com/zE0TqfiYxr</a>
—@FIVBWorIdLeagueEgor Kliuka was Russia's lone player in double digits with 11.
Saturday's bronze match is slated for 7 p.m., and the gold-medal final is at 10:05 p.m.