Mexico to play Peru for Gold at Paramaribo

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, September 20, 2024. - Mexico defeated Guatemala 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-18) in the semifinals and will play against Peru for the gold medal of the 2024 Men's U23 Pan American Cup in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Mexico reaches its fourth gold medal match in the history of the Cup (2014, 2018, 2021), having won once in 2021.

Mexico will face Peru on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. for the 2024 title, following the match between Guatemala and Cuba at 3:00 p.m. for the bronze medal. Guatemala won the bronze medal in 2018.

The Mexicans had no trouble dominating Guatemala with an advantage of 34-24 in attacks, 10-2 in blocks, and 9-3 in serves. Mexico gave up 24 points from unforced errors compared to 22 from Guatemala.

Oziel Aguirre scored 13 points (10 attacks, 3 aces) in Mexico’s victory. Franky Hernández contributed 12 points (8 attacks, a match-high  of 4 aces).

Guatemala's top scorer was Pablo Pérez with 8 points.

Mexico quickly jumped to a comfortable lead (12-4) in the first set, never trailing, and won it with the offense led by Franky Hernández, Oziel Aguirre, and Lorenzo Martínez. Despite Guatemala tying at six points in the second set, Mexico pulled ahead with a 4-0 block advantage, two of which came from José Adame. Mexico's strong serving in the third set prevented the Central American team from responding, scoring 6 of the 9 total aces with which they closed the match.

Oziel Aguirre of Mexico, the top scorer of the match: “The victory was a team effort. We have worked on several strategies during practice. Besides the serves, it was a combination of factors, including the coaches’ guidance. Now we must face Peru, we saw them against Cuba, and they put on a great performance, well deserved. We can’t be overconfident, and we must give everything on the court, with each player giving their best”.