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TEPIC, Nayarit, Mexico, July 16, 2022.- Cuba won
their semifinal match to Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-23,
25-17, 25-16) and will face Canada for the Men’s
Pan American NORCECA Final Six title at the
Amado Nervo Auditorium of Tepic, Nayarit.
Cuba will face Canada who earlier defeated the
United States in the other semifinal in five
exciting sets. Puerto Rico will play for the
bronze medal against the United States. Both
matches are happening on Sunday.
Cuba came from a four-point deficit (14-18) in
the first set, keeping Puerto Rico on the edge
to get the lead. The next two sets Cuba’s
offense inhibited Puerto Rico to perform like
they did in the beginning.
Cuba controlled every element of the game, with
a 39-25 advantage in kills, 8-7 in blocks and
7-4 in service points. Cuba committed one less
error than Puerto Rico (20-21).
Cuba’s offense was topped by outside hitter
Osniel Mergarejo with 13 points on 6 kills, 2
blocks and the most aces with 5 points. Opposite
hitter Jesus Herrera scored 11 points on 10
kills and one ace, accompanied by outside hitter
Julio Cardenas and middle blocker Simon
Robertlandy who added 9 and 8 points
respectively.
Outside hitters Klistan Lawrence and Pedro
Molina tallied 7 points each led Puerto Rico.
Julio Cesar Cardenas, Outside hitter of Cuba:
“We know each other well with Puerto Rico and
that’s why the first set was demanding,
sometimes it’s difficult to get organized and we
were a bit relaxed. We had to play stronger to
cause the difficulties. We’ve been together for
a short time; we are playing in international
leagues and this tournament has served as an
adjustment and move forward. Against Canada, if
we do our offense and defense, I believe we can
win the title, it will be exciting”.
Arnel Cabrera, Libero of Puerto Rico:
“The team’s missing a bit of experience and
managing the game mentally, which is important
in every sport. After losing the first set we
lost concentration in the rest of the match.
Tomorrow against the United States for third
place we must erase this match, keep healthy
because it’s been a demanding tournament, try to
mentalize and study our strategy”.
Nicolas Vives, Head Coach of Cuba:
“Puerto Rico is an excellent team. In the first
set we were a bit relaxed, the guys got into
better rhythm, and we closed the next sets. The
victory is what’s important. Now we must play
well, play tactically, and do the best possible
to discuss the championship against Canada;
historically they’ve been a good team, may the
best one win”. |
