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Canada opens with comeback win over Mexico

U23 Pan American Cup begins at Langley Events Centre
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Team Canada's Derek Thiessen (left to right), Lucas Van Berkel and Nick Del Bianco go for the block against Mexico on the opening day of the U23 Pan American Volleyball Cup at the Langley Events Centre.

Canada opened with a 3-2 (20-25,24-26,25-18,25-13,15-13) victory on Tuesday night in Mexico, rallying from two sets down against a team made up of 15, 16 and 17-year-olds.

The Trinity Western Spartans, who are representing Canada at the event,  turned the match around with an impressive third set, a dominant fourth set and a tight fifth.

Nick Del Bianco led the way offensively with 16 kills and three aces while Brad Kufske had 16 kills and three blocks.

“I thought tonight was a great example of how a great volleyball tam with great skills can overcome a size mismatch,” said Spartans coach Ben Josephson.

“We were clearly the older, more experienced, bigger and stronger team but Mexico showed great system, great discipline and great ball control.

“It’s a great lesson for our team how important skills are to play this game really well.”

Canada plays tonight (Thursday) at 8 p.m. against the Dominican Republic.

The 6 p.m. game features Brazil vs. Argentina.

Matches continue on Friday and Saturday, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The bronze medal match is Sunday at 3 p.m. and the gold medal championship game is at 5 p.m.