CURITIBA, Brazil – Former UBC men's volleyball star and current national team member Blair Bann helped Canada to a first-ever podium finish while taking home best libero honours at the FIVB World League Finals Saturday in Curitiba, Brazil.
After advancing to the World League final six for just the second time in history, Canada was defeated by the eventual champion French in the semifinals Friday, setting up a bronze medal date with the United States.
Team Canada was able to defeat their arch-rivals in four sets (18-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-21) to earn a World League medal for the first time.
Bann led all players in the bronze medal match with 19 digs and finished with a tournament-leading 3.07 digs per set average.
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"It is such an amazing accomplishment for an alumnus of ours to achieve on the international stage," said UBC head coach
Kerry MacDonald of Bann's feats. "It shows our current athletes the extent of what one can accomplish following their time in U SPORTS."
The former UBC standout has been part of the national team since 2009 and earned the Best Digger award at the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico. He also helped Canada qualify for the 2016 Olympics, the country's first appearance at the games since 1992.
The Edmonton native graduated from UBC in 2011 and completed his university career as a four-time Canada West and three-time national Libero of the Year. He was also named the 2011 winner of the Bobby Gaul Memorial Trophy as UBC's graduating male athlete of the year.
Next up for Bann is the NORCECA Continental Championship taking place September 24 to October 2 in Colorado Springs, Colo., where team Canada will look to defend their 2015 title.
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