USA Men Captured NORCECA Gold Against Puerto Rico

ANAHEIM, California, September 21, 2007.- Upstart Puerto Rico put up a fight, but the U.S. National Volleyball Team took a 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-22, 25-23) victory to win the gold medal at the 2007 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship on Friday at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena.

 

The U.S. Men finish the tournament with a 5-0 record. Puerto Rico wins the silver medal with a 4-2 record with two losses to Team USA.
With the victory, the U.S. claims an automatic berth into the FIVB World Cup held November 18-December 2 in Japan. The 12-team World Cup field includes the five continental champions, the four best Continental vice-champions based on the 2007 FIVB World Ranking, host country Japan and two wild cards as chosen by the FIVB and Japan Volleyball Association. The World Cup is the first 2008 Olympics qualifier with the top three teams earning an automatic bid.

 

Riley Salmon led the USA scoring attack with 16 points on 16 kills. Reid Priddy and Clay Stanley each added 15 points. David Lee compiled 12 points and Ryan Millar scored 10 points. Puerto Rico team captain Hector Soto led all scorers with 19 points and Jose Rivera and Victor Rivera each added 11 points.