SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Canada, who is represented by Trinity Western University's men's volleyball team, defeated Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-20) on Wednesday to join Mexico in the gold medal match of the Men's Volleyball Pan American Cup. 

It was the second win of Canada (TWU) over Dominican Republic in the competition following their 3-1 victory when the two sides met with undefeated record at 3-0 in the preliminary phase. 

Canada outscored Dominican Republic in blocking (6-1) and aces (5-0) while leading in attacks (46-33). The winners made 12 unforced errors to 18 by the defeated side. 

Jesse Elser (Calgary) and Brodie Hofer (Langley, B.C.) were the two top Canadian scorers, once again leading their side with 19 and 17 points, respectively. Jackson Howe (Calgary) chipped in with nine points, including four blocks. 

Henry Tapia and Alexis Cruz were the main Dominican weapons with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

As the defending Canada West and U SPORTS champions, TWU was asked to represent Canada at this year's Pan-American Cup.  

After the tournament, the Spartans men's volleyball team will return to Trinity Western to begin their local preseason games in preparation for their season opener on Nov. 5.

AS IT HAPPENED 
Coming off a five-set loss to the USA in the final match of the round robin, Canada bounced back in emphatic fashion, rolling to a three-set win over the Dominicans. The win sets up a championship match with Mexico, who TWU beat in four sets in the round robin. 

QUOTABLE
Canada Head Coach Ben Josephson
"I'm really happy with the win. You can tell how tired this group is mentally with the details that we're struggling with, but you can also see how much fun they're having competing together and being together. They got to play in this really important game and they didn't even really feel the pressure. It was crazy. They had a really great time and they competed super well. Our receivers were insane. The strength of the Dominican team is their serve and we didn't give them a single ace in that match. Colton Loewen (Aldergrove, B.C.) is playing out of his mind. He might be the best passer in this tournament. He's just playing so well. All three receivers handled the ball well and when that happens and with the Warden (Derek Epp, Saskatoon) at the net and the attackers we have, it's impressive. 

"Jesse had another monster game. This is the best I've ever seen him play. He's incredibly efficient. He's averaging at a .447 efficiency for the tournament, which is unbelievable at an international tournament. That's why we're in the final. We have a bunch of players playing out of their minds and most importantly, they're playing really well together. That's something really fun to see in September. We're excited for the final. Mexico looks amazing. They've gotten so much better over the course of the tournament and I believe we have as well. So it's probably the two hottest teams at the end, which is the way most tournaments go."

Schedule
Sept. 3 - Canada (3) Suriname (0) 
Sept. 4 – Canada (3) Mexico (1)
Sept. 5 – Canada (3) Puerto Rico (1)
Sept. 6 – Canada (3) vs. Dominican Republic (1)
Sept. 7 – Canada (2) United States (3)
Sept. 8 – Semifinal | Canada (3) Dominican Republic (0)
Sept. 9 – Gold Medal Match | Canada vs. Mexico | 4 p.m. (PT)

Roster 
Colton Loewen – Aldergrove, B.C. 
Jackson Corneil – Surrey, B.C.
Isaiah Olfert – Winnipeg, Man.
Brodie Hofer – Langley, B.C.
Jackson Howe – Calgary, Alta.
Aaron Elser – Calgary, Alta.
Jesse Elser – Calgary, Alta. 
Jordan Schnitzer – Surrey, B.C.
Liam Remple – Vernon, B.C.
Adam Schriemer – Winnipeg, Man.
Derek Epp – Saskatoon, Sask. 
Kaden Schmidt – Mississauga, Ont. 

Staff
Head Coach – Ben Josephson
Assistant Coach – Ben Ball 
2nd Assistant Coach – Jordan Or 
Doctor – Abe Avender 
Physiotherapist – Nick Del Bianco 
Statistician – Anselm Rein
Team Lead – Joel Jansen
Team Manager – Linden Bontkes 

About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 12 U SPORTS team championships and 29 Canada West team championships.

-TW-