By Canadian Press

Canada tops Netherlands in opener of men’s volleyball Olympic qualifier tournament

Sep 30, 2023 | 10:17 AM

XI’AN, China — Canada emerged victorious in its opening match of a men’s volleyball Olympic qualification tournament early on Saturday.

Canada took the final two sets to earn the comeback win over the Netherlands 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 24-26, 25-18, 15-12). Canada is set to face Argentina next on Saturday night. 

The Dutch led in attack points (69-57), but also gave up more points to errors (34-25). Canada led in blocking (13-5) and service aces (8-3).

Canada was led by Toronto’s Arthur Szwarc’s 19 points, followed by Stephen Maar (18) of Aurora, Ont., and Eric Loeppky (15) of Steinbach, Man.

Nimir Abdel-Aziz paced the Netherlands with 29 points.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

10h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

16h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

The top two seeds from each of the three eight-team pools qualify for the Olympics. Canada is in Pool C alongside Bulgaria, Argentina, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico and China, host of the current tournament. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 30, 2023.

The Canadian Press