Cuba and USA in semi finals at NORCECA Men’s U-21

MONTERREY, Mexico, August 10, 2006.- Cuba and USA are in the semi finals of the NORCECA Men’s Continental U-21 Tournament after scoring 3-0 victories over Puerto Rico and Mexico on Thursday. In the other match of the day, Dominican Republic beat Guatemala 3-1 and advanced to the quarterfinals.

On Friday, Dominican Republic will meet Canada while Puerto Rico plays against host Mexico.

Raidel Delgado scored 15 points and Rolando Junquin added 14 in Cuba’s 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 victory over Puerto Rico in just 63 minutes.

“My team could execute well in the reception, attack and blocking, but we need to work on our serves,” said Juan Gala, the Cuban coach. “Our goal here is to successfully defend the crown we won two years ago.”

William Price and Matthew Anderson contributed 15 and 13 points respectively in the USA 25-22, 25-19, 25-18 against Mexico in 67 minutes. Mexican Juan Virgen (14) and David Alva (10) also scored in double figures.

“It was a great game for us,” said American coach Andy Reid. “Everything worked out as planned. We’ve attained our first goal of winning the pool and now we’ll focus on winning the semi final match and make it to the World Championship.”

“Losing the first set was a big blow and our confidence suffered,” said Luis Leon, the Mexican coach. “We need to get back the confidence for the match against Puerto Rico.”

Melvin Frias led three Dominicans in double figures in the 16-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 triumph against Guatemala.

Guatemala started with good rhythm setting the pace of the action but the Dominicans reacted after the second set with a well executed game led by the attack of Frias.

Frias had 20 points and Jose Galva and Wascar Maria each contributed 13 points while Guatemalan Jorge Gonzalez had a match-high 24 points.