Mexico Advances to Semifinals, Aiming for Back-to-Back Titles

Mexico Advances to Semifinals, Aiming for Back-to-Back Titles

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, August 1, 2025.– Mexico defeated Guatemala in straight sets 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-20) in the quarterfinals, taking an important step toward defending the title they won last year at the Men’s U23 Pan American Cup.

One year ago, Mexico defeated Peru in the final, and now they are looking to keep the championship and become the first team in the history of the tournament to win back-to-back titles.

The match started evenly, but little by little the Mexican side gained confidence and built a comfortable lead. In the second set, Guatemala managed to keep the score closer, but Mexico’s strong attacking and blocking secured them the set. In the third, Mexico lowered their intensity slightly, sensing the win, which allowed Guatemala to put up a fight, but ultimately the victory went to Mexico.

With the win, Mexico will face the Dominican Republic on August 2 at 8 PM in the semifinals. The other semifinal will see Venezuela take on the United States at 6 PM. Classification matches for 5th–8th place will be: Belize vs. Costa Rica at 2 PM and Suriname vs. Guatemala at 4 PM.

Mexico outperformed Guatemala in attacks (40-25) and blocks (16-3). Both teams tied in service points with three apiece.

Mexico’s offense came from all areas of the court, with only two players reaching double digits, both from the Mexican side: Jorge Ariel Hernández and Lorenzo Martínez, who scored 10 points each. Hernández tallied 7 kills, 2 blocks and 1 ace, while Martínez contributed 7 kills and 3 blocks.

Jerry Durán led Guatemala with 8 points.

Mexico’s libero Josimar Navarro commented, “This match helped us gain confidence and get back into rhythm to be ready for tomorrow’s semifinal against the Dominican Republic. I think it’s going to be a tough match, just like we had in the group stage, and we hope to win so we can play the final, which is what we came here for.”

Guatemala’s libero Josué González said, “We are sad about the loss, but we showed we have the level. They played much better and made fewer errors. Now we just have to focus on winning our last two matches.”