Canada to battle for bronze at Parapan American Games

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Canada’s hopes to compete at the 2012 Paralympic Games in men’s sitting volleyball were dashed Thursday in a 25-9, 25-8 25-13 semifinal loss to Brazil at the Parapan American Games.

The Canadians will play for the bronze medal on Friday against the loser of the semifinal between the U.S., and Colombia held later Thursday. The gold medallist earns a ticket to next year’s Paralympics in London.

Greg Stewart of Kamloops, B.C., led the Canadian attack with nine points.

“We were not mentally prepared to play a semi-final match today at this level and be successful,” said Canada’s head coach Ian Halliday. “While we were physically prepared and had some confidence from our successes yesterday, we just weren’t prepared to compete against a team with the passion of Brazil.”

Brazil jumped out to an early 8-2 lead in the first quarter in front of a flamboyant crowd at the Pan Para Pan American Volleyball Complex. Brazil continued its sharp attack in the set and continued to build on their lead going up 13-4. Canada rallied late in the quarter on the strength of some long rallies to make the final score 25-9,  but could simply not overcome their 16 errors in the frame.

Brazil also had a fast start in the second set, going up 5-2 before Canada forced a pair of Brazilian errors to bring themselves to within one-point (5-4). However, unforced turovers continued to hurt the Canadians who once again committed 16 errors frame, falling 25-8.

In the third set started as a much closer affair with a strong kill by Larry Mathews (Edmonton, AB) tying the game at four. However, Brazil then reeled off four straight points due to strong defense leading to transitional scores. Canada limited its errors in the set to five but continued to struggle to score points. Captain Austin Hinchey (Edmonton, AB) stroked an ace to make the score 19-10 but that was as close as Canada would come as they fell in the final frame 25-13.

Canadian team roster: