Canadian hotshot Gavin Schmitt charted 36 points in two matches against Cuba in the opening weekend of the FIVB Volleyball World League
Lausanne, Switzerland, May 18, 2015 – Canada and the Netherlands prevailed twice over their opponents in the opening weekend of the 2015 edition of the FIVB Volleyball World League in Pools C and E, respectively.
Canada were off to a good start with a double straight-set victories over Cuba in Pool C in Calgary. In Matosinhos, the Netherlands had to endure an aggressive Portuguese side but somehow the Dutch managed to snatch two victories against the hosts in four and five sets, respectively.
Key Points
• Canada were in fine form against Cuba as they won both matches in straight sets.
• In seven previous meetings, Canada had only won five sets against Cuba in 20 sets.
• Canada have achieved two match wins on the opening weekend in three of their last four participations.
• Canada reached their 100th match in the World League on their first match in this edition.
• Netherlands became the sixth country with 150 wins in the World League after Brazil, Italy, Russia, Cuba and Serbia.
• Netherlands last achieved opening two-match victories in 2010 against Korea.
• Four Portugal-Netherlands matches in the World League were decided in a fifth set, with both teams having an equal win-loss card in those matches.
• Canadian Gavin Schmitt scored a total of 36 points in their matches against Cuba, while Dutch Rob Bontje guarded the net well with five blocks, the most blocks for any player in a match this weekend.