Manila, Sept. 16 -- Both Canada and Bulgaria notched up second consecutive victories to reach the knockout stage at the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.
Canada outplayed Japan with a stunning 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-22) shutout for its second victory in Group G on Monday.
Opposite Sharone Vernon-Evans led Canada with a game-high 14 points, including the blocking point that closed the game. Outside hitter and captain Nicholas Hoag added 13 points.
"We are over the moon, for sure. Qualifying to the playoffs is a huge step. That was our goal and we knew, coming into this match, we had a real opportunity to do that, so I am glad. The fight in the guys - you could just feel it from the start once we got here that we were on it and we j...