Canada settled for 12th place at the FIVB U21 World Championships in men's volleyball at Izmir, Turkey after dropping their placement match to the U.S.
Canada lost to the U.S. in the 11th place match 25-16, 25-17, 25-18. Brad Gunter of Courtenay and Jarrid Ireland of Winnipeg scored 10 points apiece for the Canadians. Canada finished with a 3-5 record overall. The tournament turning point for Canada was a five-set round of 16 loss to France.
“The experience we got during the whole tournament was very valuable,” said Canada’s team captain Milan Nikic of Calgary. “We learned a lot playing against tough teams.”
Russia swept Brazil in the gold medal match on Sunday. Victor Poletaev scored 20 points for the Russians who hammered the Brazilians for the gold 25-16, 25-16, 25-20 to successfully defend their world junior title
It was Russia’s fifth title overall and ninth if you include the USSR gold medals. Italy won the bronze medal match defeating France 25-21, 25-16, 20-25, 28-26.
For more information, visit www.fivb.org and www.volleyball.ca.