Music: {allcanada} Canada defeats Cuba in first FIVB match of season

Sunday, May 17, 2015

{allcanada} Canada defeats Cuba in first FIVB match of season

CALGARY — Gavin Schmitt scored a game-high 17 points as Canada won its first FIVB world league match of the season in straight sets over Cuba on Saturday.

Canada toppled the Cubans 25-20, 25-19 and 26-24.

The Canadians opened the first with a 6-1 lead before Cuba evened the set at 12. Schmitt would help Canada pull away by picking up four successful attacks and an ace to win the first.

"We stayed pretty aggressive, we stayed patient and started to manage balls a lot better," said Schmitt. "They didn't play as well as I think they can, and I think they'll come out banging a little more tomorrow."

Canada went on a 4-1 run after the second set technical timeout to lead 10-9. Cuba's Lazaro Raydel Fundora Travieso suffered a knee injury that required him to be carried from the floor in the second.

Schmitt continued to dominate in the third and took the final point after holding off the Cubans.