Team Canada has won its first game of the 2022 World Men’s Volleyball Championship in Ljubljana, Slovenia. After a straight set loss to Italy on Saturday, Canada beat China 25-23, 25-21, 25-23.
Ryan Sclater of New Westminster, British Columbia led Canada with 16 points. He had 15 attack points and one ace. Ryley Barnes of Edmonton, Alberta and Stephen Maar of Aurora, Ontario had two aces each to lead Canada. Barnes, Lucas Van Berkel of Edmonton, Derek Epp of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Arthur Szwarc of Toronto, Ontario each had one block point.
Team Canada lost in straight sets on Saturday to Italy, but the story of the match came in the third set. That is Canada had a remarkable 37 points, but lost 39-37. Italy won the first two sets 25-13 and 25-18, but the fact Canada was able to put a significant amount of pressure against a powerful volleyball nation such as Italy, game them confidence into their game against China. Italy is a three-time world champion as they won in 1990 in Brazil, 1994 in Greece, and in 1998 in Japan.
Canada now has a huge game on Wednesday against Turkey, who has an identical record of one win and one loss. Like Canada, Turkey won in straight sets against China, but lost in straight sets against Italy so far in Pool E action.
