2015 Summer Universiade: Canadians give Russia tough battle, fall to 0-3

GWANGJU, South Korea (Team Canada) – The Canadian men's volleyball team put their best foot forward Monday giving the three-time defending Universiade champions from Russia their toughest competition of the tournament to date. Although Canada had its best game of the competition, the Russians prevailed by 3-0 (13-25, 24-26, 22-25).

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After dropping the first set 13-25, Canada re-grouped and took the top seeded Russians into extra points. The Canadians took an early 9-2 lead early in the second before the Russians tied the game midway through the set. From there it was anybody's game as the teams remained neck and neck right until the end with Russia coming out on top 26-24.

"We had a chance to win the second set today but we did not manage to take advantage of this opportunity", said head coach John Barrett (University of Toronto). "Russia is always a very good opponent and this match was no different. Our team played good volleyball at times, but against a team like this, we cannot afford a lack of consistency."

The battle continued through the third as Canada's confidence remained high and their defense continued to challenge the Russians. The red and white tested the defending champions right until the end when Russia pulled away to earn the victory.

Georgetown, Ont. Native Brandon Koppers led the Canadians with 16 kills, while Ryan Nickifor had nine.

Canada lost its three games so far and is excluded from the medal round. They will close out pool play on Tuesday when they face Switzerland (0-3) on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. (2:00 a.m. ET).

Source: CIS