Canada’s men’s volleyball team through to second round with win over Mexico

GDANSK, Poland – Canada’s men’s volleyball clinched its spot in the second round of the world championships with a victory over Mexico on Saturday.

Toontje Van Lankvelt of Brandon, Man., scored 16 points, as the Canadians won in three sets, 17-25, 18-25, 19-25. Dallas Soonias of Red Deer, Alta., added 12 points.

“It was an important match for us to win,” Lankvelt said. “We just stayed really focused.”

Canada’s coach Glenn Hoag was able to change up his lineup Saturday to rest some players.

“We’ve had some injury problems all summer, so today we were able to put another group on the floor, but that group is also very talented, so it wasn’t a big difference,” said Hoag. “It’s an advantage in a way; it was beneficial today for us (to give this lineup playing time).”

Canadian blocking was solid, with 12 stuff blocks.

The victory was Canada’s third of the tournament, the team’s only loss coming in its opener against defending Olympic champion Russia. Canada plays China to wrap up the preliminary round on Sunday.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to get up for every match, but I think the guys that played tonight did a good job of staying focused and playing throughout,” said captain Fred Winters. “I sound like a broken record, but now we’re looking forward to the next day and playing China. Hopefully we can finish the first round with another win to give us some big momentum for the second round.”