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Mexico stuns the United States to
kick off NORCECA Men’s Final Six
PONCE, Puerto Rico, October 6th, 2025.- Mexico opened
NORCECA Men’s Final Six with a reverse sweep over the United States
(22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11) at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns
Auditorium.
It was a very tight first set, but the United States closed it out
with a 25–21 win. Mexico recovered, taking control of the second set
from the start with a comfortable five-point lead (12–7). However,
the United States made adjustments to their blocking, regained the
lead, and ultimately won the set 25–21. The Mexicans came back
strong, winning the third set 25–19. The United States fought hard,
but Mexico prevailed 25–21 to force a tiebreak. Mexico sealed the
match with a 15–11 win in the fifth set.
The United States led in attacks (57-51) and blocks (12-8) while
Mexico held advantage in service points (8-6). Mexico committed 27
unforced errors and the United States 40.
Opposite Ridl Alexis Garay from Mexico was the top scorer of the
match with 24 points (19 attacks, 3 blocks and 2 aces) and opposite
Kyler Wade was the top scorer for the United States with 20 points
(17 attacks, 1 block and 2 serves).
Sebastiano Sani, Captain of the United States:
“We started out pretty strong in the first two sets and played
really good volleyball. Then we pulled back a little in the last
three sets. I think Mexico got better and played really well after
the first two sets, making big plays. Now we just have to bounce
back tomorrow. We only had one practice, and we still need to learn
our volleyball style since we haven’t played much together. We’re
just trying to get better every day.”
Yasutaka Sanay, outside hitter of Mexico:
“We're responding to our game, as most of the starters are
experienced players, but we have new players as well and we are
developing as the match progresses. We had a slow start, but we made
changes starting in the third set, where there were improvements and
our serve was working well, compromising their passing. Now, we need
to correct some details from today and prepare for the next match.”
Tomorrow, Mexico will face host team Puerto Rico while United States
will play Canada. | 
