Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Mark Janzen TWU) – Canada, who is represented by Trinity Western University’s men’s volleyball team, defeated Suriname in straight-sets 3-0 (25-7, 30-28, 25-20) to open the Pan-American Cup at Ricardo Arias Pavilion Friday.
The match marked a return to the competition court for the Spartans for the first time in nearly 18 months. The last time TWU had played together in a competition as a team was Mar. 7, 2020, when the Spartans won the Canada West championship on home court.
As the defending Canada West and U SPORTS champions, TWU was asked to represent Canada at this year’s Pan-American Cup.
After the tournament, the Spartans men’s volleyball team will return to Trinity Western to begin their local preseason games in preparation for their season opener on Nov. 5.
AS IT HAPPENED
After Canada (TWU) earned a one-sided first set win, Suriname recovered to play a close match the rest of the way. The stronger serves of the Canadians proved to be a difference-maker, as Canada had an 11-4 edge in aces. Jackson Howe (Calgary) led Canada with 16 points, including four blocks, while Jordan Schnitzer (Surrey, B.C.) added 11 points, with four aces. Zefanio Breinburg topped Suriname with 12 tallies.
Canada Head Coach Ben Josephson
“The first set was very open, but as soon as it was over, both teams pushed the game and it was a close battle. I give credit to the Suriname team, they trained hard for this competition.”
Schedule
Sept. 3 – Canada (3) Suriname (0)
Sept. 4 – Canada vs. Mexico – 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET
Sept. 5 – Canada vs. Puerto Rico – 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET
Sept. 6 – Canada vs. Dominican Republic – 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET
Sept. 7 – Canada vs. United States – 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET
Sept. 8 – Semifinals
Sept. 9 – Gold and Bronze Medal Matches
Roster
Colton Loewen – Aldergrove, B.C.
Jackson Corneil – Surrey, B.C.
Isaiah Olfert – Winnipeg, Man.
Brodie Hofer – Langley, B.C.
Jackson Howe – Calgary, Alta.
Aaron Elser – Calgary, Alta.
Jesse Elser – Calgary, Alta.
Jordan Schnitzer – Surrey, B.C.
Liam Remple – Vernon, B.C.
Adam Schriemer – Winnipeg, Man.
Derek Epp – Saskatoon, Sask.
Kaden Schmidt – Mississauga, Ont.
Staff
Head Coach – Ben Josephson
Assistant Coach – Ben Ball
2nd Assistant Coach – Jordan Or
Doctor – Abe Avender
Physiotherapist – Nick Del Bianco
Statistician – Anselm Rein
Team Lead – Joel Jansen
Team Manager – Linden Bontkes
