Cuba Wins Bronze Medal at Boys' U17 Pan American Cup
COLIMA, Mexico, June 22, 2024. - Cuba clinched the bronze medal at the
Boys' U17 Pan American Cup by defeating Canada 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-18,
25-19) at the Multifunctional Auditorium in Colima, Mexico.
Cuba recovered from losing the first set to secure third place in the
event, finishing with a record of three wins and two losses. Canada
ended with a 3-3 record.
Cuba dominated in attacks (55-46) and service points (3-1), while Canada
led in blocks (9-7). Cuba committed 25 errors compared to Canada’s 33.
Cuban captain and opposite hitter Yosdani Medina led all scorers with 23
points, all from attacks. Key contributions also came from outside
hitter Andy Marrero, who scored 15 points (14 attacks and one service
ace), and Samuel Rodríguez, who added 12 points (11 attacks and one
service ace).
For Canada, Tyson DeZutter led with 19 points (18 attacks and one
block), followed by Seth Brunoro with 14 points (12 attacks, one block,
and one service ace), and William Clarmo, who contributed 12 points (11
attacks and one block).
The first set was closely contested, but Canada reached set point with
two consecutive points from William Clarmo, a block and a kill. Andy
Marrero denied them with a powerful attack, but ultimately, Tyson
DeZutter clinched the set for Canada with an attack. In the second set,
Cuba finished strong, scoring the last three points with kills from Andy
Marrero and Yosdani Medina, followed by a Canadian error. In the third
set, Cuba dominated in attacks (11-6) and finished it after a Canadian
service error led to the final points by Medina and Samuel Rodríguez.
Cuba reached match point in the fourth set thanks to a reception error
by Canada, and two powerful attacks from Medina sealed the victory.
Lian Sem Estrada, head coach of Cuba, said, “In the final sets, we made
adjustments, especially in our serves, changing their direction and
placement. I think that was key to our victory. Given the experience
gained, we should advance from our current position. I'm pleased because
we have little time training, and the players followed the instructions
well. I believe we'll continue to grow as we prepare for the World
Championship”.
Dan Ota, head coach of Canada said “Cuba is a very strong attacking
team, and they were able to play with their style a little more than we
were. We knew it was going to be a very difficult match and a difficult
team to beat, I think our guys fought. Overall, our guys made too many
mistakes in little things during the games. Unfortunately, we weren’t
able to get the result. I am very proud of my team for getting better
every day and they all have a very bright future in the game”. |