Cuba wins gold medal at U19 Pan Am Cup 

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 29, 2019 – Cuba took home the gold medal at the U19 Boys’ Pan American Volleyball Cup after a convincing victory over defending champions Mexico in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 26-24, 25-19) on Monday at Ricardo Arias Pavilion in Santo Domingo.

As silver medalist Mexico was already qualified to the U19 Boys’ FIVB World Championship along with bronze medalist Dominican Republic. Cuba had qualified as champions of NORCECA.

Jose Miguel Gutierrez and Victor Andreu topped the attack of Cuba with 16 and 12 points, respectively, as both contributed four aces. Reynier Ibar added 9 in the victory.

Luis David Hernández and Franky Hernández were the best Mexicans with 11 and 9 points.

Cuba registered 11 blocks and 9 aces compared to 3 and 2 by the defeated side. The Cubans held a 35-27 advantage in attacks.

Mario Izquierdo, coach of Cuba: “As I always say, respecting the opponents, Mexico showed a little bit more level than the other teams. I think our physical condition and the courage of the boys was a decisive factor to obtain the title.”