Canada wins bronze at under-21 men’s volleyball championship

GATINEAU, Que. – Sharone Vernon-Evans had a match-high 13 points as Canada beat Guatemala in straight sets to win bronze at the under-21 NORCECA men’s continental championship on Sunday.

Canada also got 12 points from Taryq Sani and nine from captain Matthew Mawdsley to take the match 25-13, 25-12, 25-19.

“This is a huge stage for all of us — not a lot of us have been to this level,” the 17-year-old Vernon-Evans said.

“It’s a big tournament, playing the Cubans and Americans. We had hoped to qualify (for the 2017 FIVB world U21 championship) but this is not the end. We’ll do better next year. Next year is going to be better for sure. Once you’ve been there, the nerves are out.”

Canada converted 40-of-69 attacks and Guatemala put down 24-of-63.

Canada held out middle blocker Pearson Eshenko and setter C.J. Gavlas subbed in late, which was a precaution measure against aggravating injuries each had sustained earlier in the tourney. Derek Epp stepped into Gavlas’ role.

“I think our players now know what the international level is about,” Canada coach Gino Brousseau said. “They got to play the U.S. and Cuba. We told our players that this is just the beginning.”

In the championship match, the U.S. beat Cuba 3-1 (25-17, 29-27, 19-25, 25-22) for gold.

Barbados finished fifth in the tournament, with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados finishing sixth and seventh.