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Canada’s Next Gen Men’s team, featuring Muenster’s Skyler Varga, made it to the gold medal game in the Men’s Final 6 Volleyball Championship in Gatineau on Sunday. Despite the Canadian squad’s best efforts, the U.S. team came out with the gold medal after defeating Canada in four sets.
The game breakdown from NORCECA noted that although Canada led with more attack points 48-43 and earned six points to USA’s five on aces; USA dominated in blocking points 14-7 and made fewer errors 25-30.
Canada finished with the silver medal and a record of 4-2. USA won the gold and had a 5-1 record, with their only loss coming against Canada in the round robin.
Varga was a call up from the U21 ranks to shore up the team for the tournament. A number of regular players had to opt out due to professional or overseas commitments. Varga and the additional call-ups rose to the challenge, and they will be on coaches' radar through the next Olympic cycle.
“We're not necessarily looking at the results,” said Team Canada’s head coach Glen Hoag. “We're happy to play in the final but you know, it's all about getting information on those guys for the future. I think we ran out a little bit of energy too. We worked hard to win, to get our wins this week, and I think it drained us a little bit. But overall, a good tournament for us, and a lot of learning with the players that are basically our future.”