SAN SALVADOR, July 5, 2008.- USA beat Mexico in consecutive sets (25-15, 25-23, 25-18) and won the bronze medal at the U-21 Norceca Men’s Continental Championship which finishes today.

The triumph gave the Americans the last available ticket for the 2009 World Championship.

After one first set without problems, the Mexicans battled for the next two sets but the Americans could establish their game and attacked from both corners and down the middle.

“It is source of pride for us to take this third place among so many teams of good level. I’d wish today was our first match because it is now when we are reaching our peak, after improving with each day,” said Shawn Patchell, the American coach. “We have to learn discipline, these games you don’t win them with emotions,and they could establish their systems,” said Jorge Azair, the Mexican coach.

Austin Ellis scored 12 points and Murphy Troy had 11 for the winners. The best Mexican was Leonardo Manzo with 10 tallies.