U.S. stunned in NORCECA quarterfinals, loses to Canada in five games

The hopes of a gold medal or podium finish for the United States came to an abrupt end in the fifth game.

The United States gave up a 4-0 run early in the decisive game as it lost to Canada 22-25, 25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 15-10 in the quarterfinals of the NORCECA Continental Championship on Saturday in Mexico.

The United States competing with a roster primarily comprised of college players led 3-2 in the fifth game before Canada sided-out and continued its run with opposite Xander Ketrzynski from the service line. Ketrzynski first serve forced the United States out of system resulting in a Canada block, and then he delivered back-to-back aces.

Ketrzynski finished with both a match-high four aces and 17 kills to help Canada advance to the semifinals.

Former Ohio State opposite Jake Hanes in the loss led the United States with 12 kills. This was the third time in the team’s four tournament matches that Hanes had double-digit kills.

Long Beach State outside attacker Spencer Olivier also had 10 kills, while Penn State outside attacker Brett Wildman contributed seven kills.

Olivier defensively added a team-high four blocks, but the United State was out-blocked 17 to 9. Five Canadian players had multiple blocks with Ketrzynski and middle attacker Jackson Howe each leading the team with four blocks.

The United States entered this match after winning two of three group-play matches and earning the group’s No. 2 seed to the quarterfinals. The team, though, following this loss to Canada can finish the tournament no higher than fifth place.

The United States will play Trinidad and Tobago or Guatemala in the fifth-place semifinals on Sunday.