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Canada came out on top in a five-set thriller against the United States at the Under-19 NORCECA Men’s Continental Volleyball Championship on Sunday in Burnaby, B.C.
The Canadians forced the fifth set before edging their rival for the 3-2 win (25-23, 21-25, 23-25, 25-23, 17-15), with captain Hendrix Lepp leading the charge in front of a packed crowd at Simon Fraser University’s West Gym.
Vancouver’s Lepp, who plays as an outside hitter, was the game’s top scorer with 29 points (25 attack points, two blocks, two aces) and was named tournament MVP.
Bryce Thistlethwaite led the Americans with 26 points.
“This match was up and down, both teams played great and then weren’t so sharp at times, but it’s about being in a good competitive mindset and we just stuck with it and fought and made it close, finding a way to get it done,” said Canada head coach Adam Schriemer.
“I thought Hendrix Lepp had a great tournament — he was so steady for us and really became a leader for Canada on and off the court.”
Mexico defeated Costa Rica for bronze earlier in the day, 3-0 (25-8, 25-12, 25-15).
All four teams from the medal matches qualified for the 2027 FIVB men’s U19 world championship.
Watch Canada and the United States go head-to-head in the gold medal match at the 2026 U19 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship in Burnaby, B.C.
Canada roster
1 – Joaquin Lopez — Markham, Ont.
3 – Jaden Hoff — St. Catharines, Ont.
4 – Hendrix Lepp — Vancouver
5 – Lennon Mari — Lloydminster, Sask.
6 – Hudson Penz — Red Deer, Alta.
8 – Jacob Hughes — Vancouver
9 – Nathan Herfst — Burnaby, B.C.
11 – Andrew Pook — Cambridge, Ont.
12 – Joseph Vanderkooi — Abbotsford, B.C.
15 – Jordan Low-Ring — Toronto
22 – Cameron Johansen — Toronto
23 – Odin Pleau — Waterloo, Ont.
51 – Justin Jamieson — Sandford, Ont.
99 – Julian Josephs — Uxbridge, Ont.
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