Canada improves its record at the Final 6

EDMONTON, CANADA. Sept. 21, 2023:  Canada remains undefeated with a 3-1 (25-22, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16) win today over Cuba at the NORCECA Pan American Cup Men’s Final Six, being held from September 19 to 24 at the Flair Airlines Hangar (Expo Centre), in Edmonton, Canada.

Canada led in attacking 43-39, blocking 12-8, and service aces 5-3 and also took more points from opponent errors – 38-33.

Canada’s opposite Christopher Byam led the North American team’s attack with 24 points. Cuban Alejandro González Rodríguez led his team again today with 19 points.

Canada is now 3-0, while Cuba is 1-3.

Dan Lewis, Canada’s head coach: “In the beginning we were making too many errors, but so was Cuba as they are also a young team. Tonight, we had more info on the Cuban team and it was super important for our guys to execute based on this information. … Our guys were able to execute, and they did a fantastic job. Our setter was fantastic and Byam was so physical. It takes that mental focus to win at this level. “

Manuel Espinosa, head coach of Cuba: “Undoubtedly, the Canadian team is a very technical team that knew how to take advantage of all the difficulties we had; they studied us very well, and that contributed in part to the challenges we faced throughout the game, which allowed them to win. It was a good match, worthy of admiration from both teams. I believe that the ones who fought the hardest were the ones who won, which were the Canadians.”