Cuba wins the U-21 Pan American Volleyball Championship.

Cuba became the new champion of the Norceca U21 Men’s Pan American Cup 2023 after defeating the defending champions, the United States, in a sensational match with a 3-2 (21-25, 21-25, 30-28, 25-15, 15-11) slate at the Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum.

The locals, cheered on by the fans during two hours and 16 minutes of play, got rid of the «thorn» stuck in their sides by defeating them in tie-break in the group elimination and in the final, where they received the trophy from the hands of Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of Inder.

The award ceremony was attended by Ariel Sainz, vice-president of the sports organization and head of the Cuban Volleyball Federation, as well as the stars of the sport and members of the Norceca control committee.

When it seemed in the third set that the visitors would return home with the crown again, the Cuban team reacted and tied the match at two sets to finish it off in the fifth set, but not without a great battle between both teams.

The home team finished with a bigger advantage in attack (52-47), while in blocking (17-16) and service (9-8) the difference was minimal.

Opposite Alejandro Miguel González, who once again showed his leadership, was the top scorer with 26 points, very well supported on offense by corner players Bryan Camino (22) and José Ramón Gómez (10), and middle blocker Jakdiel Contreras (10), while the other blocker, Alexis Wilson, added eight points.

When it seemed in the third set that the visitors would return home with the crown again, the Cuban team reacted and tied the match at two sets to finish it off in the fifth set, but not without a great battle between both teams.

The home team finished with a bigger advantage in attack (52-47), while in blocking (17-16) and service (9-8) the difference was minimal.

Opposite Alejandro Miguel González, who once again showed his leadership, was the top scorer with 26 points, very well supported on offense by corner players Bryan Camino (22) and José Ramón Gómez (10), and middle blocker Jakdiel Contreras (10), while the other blocker, Alexis Wilson, added eight points.

Cuba’s Ariel Sainz awards the Most Valuable Player of the U21 Pan American Cup

In the previous edition, the United States defeated Mexico, now absent, in the final, and Canada took the bronze by beating Cuba, but this time they occupied the same place on the podium, after defeating Puerto Rico 3-1.

Jesús Cruz, the hosts’ coach, stated that «first we achieved our goal of improving on last year’s fourth place. We got together and analyzed that there was nothing to lose, we had to come to get the victory, there was nothing to be reserved, nothing to take care of, it was only one game to give our all and if the opponent came out with the success, it had to be with the best version of Cuba».

He said that «it didn’t work out in the first two sets, but we were able to turn things around, the best thing the group had in this tournament was the possibility to change. If the rival changed their tactics, we did the same and that’s how we stayed during the whole game. In the end it worked out better for us.

Alejandro Miguel expressed that «we had the opportunity and we knew how to take advantage of it to win the matches in the tie-break, we grew in the face of difficulties and that is why today we are celebrating the gold medal».

«From 2022 to this date all athletes have matured, before we were a little more dependent on one player, this time we all pulled evenly and deserved awards. We played as a real team.

The veteran coach of the United States, Andy Read, stated that «we wanted to close the match in the third set, we almost did it, we were winning 2-0, but it didn’t work out that way. The fans were very supportive of their team in the win. Definitely what was expected was a close game and as it turned out anyone could win it».

Nyerovwome Omene, captain of the northerners, expressed that «playing against Cuba and in Cuba is always very good and a lot of fun. We had the opportunity to play each other in the elimination group and we enjoyed both games. We are happy even though we lost. Now we have to continue for the U21 world championship.

Alejandro Miguel was nominated most valuable player and best opposite player. Also included in the honor roll were teammates Jose Ramon Gomez, second attacker; Alexis Wilson and Jakdiel Cotreras, best blockers in that order, and Yonni Iglesias, the most outstanding setter.

Canada’s Jacob Sargent was first in attack, Puerto Ricans Fernand Albaladejo, in reception and Alex Melendez, in service and Dominicans Ronny Molina, as top scorer and Angelkis Mesa, the most distinguished in defense and as libero.

Team Cuba topped the standings undefeated with five victories, escorted by the United States with a record of 4 wins and 2 setbacks, and Canada (4-1). They were followed by Puerto Rico (3-2), Nicaragua (3-3), Dominican Republic (3-3), Guatemala (1-4) and Haiti (0-5).

This Cup gave the right to participate next year in the qualifier for the 2025 U21 World Championship.

(Taken from JIT)