Cuba defeats USA and qualifies unbeaten semifinals

 LIMA, Peru, May 7, 2019 - Cuba defeated the United States 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 25-19) for its third consecutive victory and a total of 15 points which earned the first place in Pool A and the direct pass to the semifinal of the IV U21 Men's Volleyball Pan American Cup.

 The duel was intense from the first point, with a Cuban team that neutralized the main American attackers with its overwhelming block.

 José Romero, opposite of Cuba, finished as their highest scorer with 10 points of attack, 4 blocks and 4 aces for a total of 18 units. For the United States, top scorer Ryan Wilcox scored 12 points.

Cuba won with solid advantage in the blocks (11-2), was also superior in attack (29-24) and services (10-7).

Jesus Cruz, coach of Cuba: It's always good to win against a team like the United States. We have achieved the first goal of qualifying directly to the semifinals, but we are also advancing in the process of cohesiveness much more as a team, we will continue working step by step for the goal of the gold medal.

Spencer McLachlin, technical director of USA: I loved that each of the boys was involved in the game, doing their best, even playing in different positions for some of them. The service and receipt was a bit weak today, but they are a team with very good service. We hope to improve that for the next time we face them.

The United States finished the first stage with 6 points and classified to the round of Quarter Finals as 2nd in the Pool A, so they will face the 3rd of the Pool B on Wednesday, May 8.