Canada's Dustin Schneider sets up team-mate Rudy Verhoeff for an attack from the middle
Halifax, Canada, June 5, 2015 – Canada enjoyed their home court advantage with a straight-set (25-22, 27-25, 25-19) victory over Argentina in Pool C of the FIVB Volleyball World League at the Scotia Centre on Friday.
Argentina opened the first set with 4-0 advantage until Canadian dynamo Gavin Schmitt took charge to put his team on the board. Joseph Gordon Perrin helped Schmitt to tie the score at 7-all. Argentina, however, managed to maintain the lead but Schmitt’s scoring heroics gave Canada the lead at the second technical timeout 16-15. Canada had a slim 21-20 advantage when coach Glenn Hoag called for a timeout to reorganise their plays. With Gavin’s consistent offence and key substitutions, Canada took the first set 25-21.
Argentina started with two straight points to open the second set and held the lead at 17-16. Canada were able to tie the score at 17-all from a service error by Argentina. The Argentines somehow recovered from their error and got another opportunity to take the lead 19-18 but Canada had a 3-1 run to grab the lead back 22-20. Canada made some adjustments on their lineup that favoured them in the end game as Rudy Verhoeff blocked an Argentine attack to close the second set 27-25.
Canada led 8-3 in the third set and their blocking dominance pushed them further with a 13-16 advantage. Argentina managed to cut down the lead to within four points 16-12 but their opponents showed better persistence on court to bring them at match point 24-19. Schmitt served an ace that secured the third set and match victory 25-21.
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