SAN SALVADOR, July 4, 2008.- Cuba got the ticket to play for the gold by defeating USA in straight sets in the semi final round of the U-21 Norceca Men’s Continental Championship.

The Cuban team triumphed by score of 25-19, 25-18, 25-21 and secured one of the three places available to participate in the 2009 World Championship of the age-category to be held in Mexico.

The Cubans displayed all their offensive potencial from different angles of the court and also made it difficult to their opponents with their powerful serves.

“Our weapon is not letting the rival to organize their game, and starting from there is when our counter attacks work,” commented Juan Carlos Gala, the Cuban coach.

The islanders developed great velocity before the net taking advantage of a rival who had to battle very hard to reach the phase.

“Against a team as powerful as Cuba you can’t commit so many unforced errors. Anyway I am very proud of the effort given by my boys,” said Shawn Patchell, the American coach.

Fernando Hernandez led the Cuban attack with 17 points, Rolando Cepeda esconded him with 15 and Leonardo Leyva added 12.

Murphy Troy scored 14 and Kyle Caldwell contributed 10 for USA.