Duff and Perrin block a Dominican hitter (Photo: Norceca)

Canada started the tournament well in the men’s Olympic qualifier today in Long Beach, California. In little over an hour they beat Dominican Republic in straight sets (25-21, 25-13, 25-15). Cuba and Puerto Rico completed tonight's pool play match for pool B with a Cuba 3-0 win (25-20, 25-18, 25-18). Canada faces Puerto Rico tomorrow at 9pm EDT.

Opposite hitter Gavin Schmitt was the top scorer for Canada with 12 points. He played in the first two sets, being subbed by Dallas Soonias in the third. Middle blocker Justin Duff scored 11 points. Soonias finished with eight points. Team Canada line-up was Schmitt (opposite), Fred Winters and Gord Perrin (left sides), Duff and Steve Brinkman (middles), Josh Howatson (setter) and Dan Lewis (libero). Toon Van Lankvelt replaced Perrin, and Dustin Schneider subbed Howatson in the third set.

The games are broadcast by USA Volleyball:

http://www.usavlive.com/