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TEPIC, Nayarit, Mexico, July 17, 2022.- Cuba was
crowned undefeated champion of the Men’s Pan
American Cup Norceca Final Six beating Canada
3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-19) on Sunday at the Amado
Nervo Auditorium of Tepic, Nayarit.
Cuba concluded the event with a perfect 7-0
record winning the gold medal over Canada who
ended with a 5-2 record; Canada’s two losses
were against Cuba.
The first set was led by Canada up to point 14
until Cuba managed to dominate. Cuba missed
3-match points (24-20) before celebrating their
championship win; Simon Robertlandy scored the
last point from a powerful spike.
Cuba prevailed by a 37-32 margin in attacks and
8-4 in blocks, Canada held an 6-5 advantage in
serves. Cuba committed 23 errors and Canada
totaled 25.
Outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez topped Cuba
with 13 points on 12 kills and one block, and
opposite hitter Jesus Herrera collected 14
points on 9 attacks, 2 blocks and 3 points from
serves. Middle blocker Simon Robertlandy added 9
points.
Two players also led Canada with double-digits,
outside hitter Brandon Koppers with 11 points on
8 kills and 3 aces, and opposite hitter Jordan
Canham contributed with 10 points on 6 kills, 2
blocks and 2 aces.
Jesús Herrera, Opposite of Cuba:
“For me and the entire Cuban team it’s the best
there can be, and for those who support us far
away. It is of great satisfaction because we
showed we are well, we are making players,
everyone is giving their talent. We showed what
we know how to do. Cubans are Warriors, we don’t
like to lose, and we always give our maximum
effort. All the members of the team are
experienced and great players”.
Brandon Koppers, Top scorer of Canada:
“I am very proud of all the guys in our team, we
have a very young team, and we showed some real
guts out there. This is a great defensive team,
we did very well and proved what we are made of.
We take every point as experience, we are
preparing for the Pan American Cup in August
back in Canada, so for some of our younger guys
it was a great experience.
The tournament was amazing”. |
