Canada sweeps Russia at World League Finals, advances to semifinal

CURITIBA, Brazil – Sharone Vernon-Evans played a key role with a match-high total of 14 points in Canada’s 3-0 victory over Russia on Wednesday at the Volleyball World League Finals.

Canada will advance to Friday’s semifinals on Friday after a 25-23, 29-27, 25-17 performance against Russia.

“It’s nice to help my team, and I’m just trying to implement what my coaches have told me to do,” said Vernon-Evans, who at 18 is the youngest player in the tournament. “And I’m hoping to continue to improve as we move into the semifinals.”

Teammate and captain Gordon Perrin, and Stephen Maar, both had 12 points today.

Russia’s top scorer was Egor Kliuka — that team’s only player with double figures — as he reached 11 points.