Cuba win gold with victory over Mexico in three sets

TIJUANA, Mexico, July 7, 2012 - Cuba outclassed Mexico in straight sets (25-14, 25-21, 25-14) to win the gold medal of the NORCECA Boy’s U-19 Continental Championship on Saturday.

Cuba, already qualified to the world championship by reaching the finals, had MVP Osmany Santiago Uriarte and Abraham Alfonso Gavilan as its best scorers both with 16 points. Mexico’s Alexis Garay scored 11 points while captain Mauricio Lopez added 10.

“I want to congratulate both teams and we made a super natural effort with only three weeks of preparation and only seven players. They did a great job,” Cuba’s Coach Rodolfo Sánchez said after successfully defending the title they won two years ago.

Cuba’s Captain Ricardo Calvo remarked: “This was a great experience, our first international experience. We came out to play with decision and bravery. I also want to congratulate Mexico for the good job.”

Mauricio Lopez, captain of Mexico indicated that despite this loss, the good vibe and spirit was kept. “We feel a little bit sad, but we are optimistic because we still have one year of preparation ahead of the world championship.”

Oscar Licea made it clear after this achievement: “It is true and yes we can do it, to reach a final, and we can play at the best level with a good team work. We only need at least one year working together and to count on with the necessary support. This has been a good experience, because we have taken the best of it talking about technical details”.