Mexico U23 Men’s Pan American Cup Champion

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, September 21, 2024 .- Mexico was crowned champion of the 2024 Men's U23 Pan American Cup after winning the gold medal match 3-1 (25-16, 27-25, 21-25, 25-13) against Peru at the Anthony Nesty Sporthal in Paramaribo, Suriname, on the final day of competition.

This is Mexico's second title in the history of the Cup; they also won gold in 2021 after defeating Puerto Rico. In total, Mexico has won 4 medals: 2 gold and 2 silver.

Peru won its first silver medal in the history of the Cup; last year, they won the bronze medal, giving them a total of two medals.

Mexico defeated Peru thanks to their superiority in blocking (12-2), as well as their advantage in attacks (57-49) and serves (6-5). Both teams committed 23 unforced errors.

Four Mexican players scored in double digits. Oziel Aguirre led with 22 points (20 attacks, one block, one ace). Franky Hernández contributed 16 points (10 attacks, 3 blocks, 3 aces). Diego Ruiz added 11 points, including a match-high of 5 blocks. Isay Toy scored 10 points.

Peru’s captain, Leonel Despaigne, led all scorers with 25 points (24 attacks, one ace). Also from Peru, Gerardo Chicoma finished with 11 points, all from attacks, and Edgar Vertiz recorded 10 points.

Mexico won the first set, leading throughout, with Franky Hernández as the top scorer, including three aces. The second set was a different story, with the teams tying multiple times, and Peru reaching set point after an attack from their captain, Leonel Despaigne. However, an error allowed Mexico to tie the score at 24, and then Mexico reached set point twice, with Hernández’s powerful offense keeping them ahead 2-0. In the third set, Peru jumped to a three-point lead (11-8) with a serve from Edgar Vertiz and two attacks from Leonel. Mexico tied the score at 12 points with Aguirre leading and Peru committing errors. From there, the score remained close until Peru gained a three-point advantage (19-16), driven by their captain. Peru lost two set points (24-19) due to an attack by Isay Toy and a self-error, but Leonel scored the set point with a soft touch. Mexico started the fourth set with a five-point lead (12-7), with Diego Ruiz putting pressure at the net. Mexico's dominance grew with the blocking efforts of four players, ending the match with a wide margin.

Renato Soares, Head coach of Mexico: “We prepared for the tournament and the match. We trained on serving, defense, and blocking. We came here to secure qualification for the Junior Pan American Games, and we also wanted to win the competition. The set we lost was due to a lack of focus; being up 2-0, they relaxed, and we shouldn’t think that way”.

Diego Recavarren, Head coach of Peru: “I think the lack of experience in playing finals took its toll. The team entered very nervously, played well at times and not so well at others. Mexico had a very aggressive serve that hurt us a lot, and that didn’t allow us to play at the speed we like, plus their tall blocking. We had played ten sets in two days, which also had an impact. I have nothing to reproach my team for; they fought until the end and showed they know how to play”.