PONCE, Puerto Rico, October 6th, 2025.- Canada outplayed Suriname 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-16) on their opener match at the NORCECA Men’s Final Six at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.
Suriname kept it close early in the first set at 7–9, but Canada held the advantage throughout and went on to win the set 25–13. In the second set, Canada quickly jumped to an eight-point lead (16–8), maintaining a comfortable margin to secure a 25–18 victory. Canada continued their dominance in the third set, although Suriname gained momentum by scoring four consecutive points (14–21), the Canadians ended closing out the match with a 25–16 win.
Canada held advantages in kills 45-22, 4-1 in blocks and 10-0 in points from serves while Suriname committed fewer errors than Canada (16-24).
Captain Liam Pauls, outside hitters Ethan Baraniuk and Thomas Frieses, led Canada’s offensive with 12 points each. Outside hitter Ethan Asimia was the top scorer from Suriname with six points.
Liam Pauls, captain of Canada: “it was really good, we learned a lot. It is the first time our team is playing at this level, and I think there are a lot of areas to improve, a lot of areas that we struggle with that we can do better on the rest of tournament. I think we need to make adjustments in the defense and in communication, that is going to be a big challenge since we are facing really tough teams”
Carlos Orta, Suriname’s head coach: “Our goal is to compete in this tournament, gain experience and skills to participate in other events in the region. Canada is strong and has a high-level volleyball, but I think my boys did their best to achieve the best result.”
Faiq Lobo, captain of Suriname: “I found that this was a really good first match. The players needed to get used to the environment. It was a little bit rough but after a while we kind of got into the game. We did not win but I’m very proud of my team”
On day two of competition, Canada will face United States and Suriname will play the Dominican Republic.
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