Mexico wins Final Six bronze over Cuba

EDMONTON, CANADA: Sept. 24, 2023: Mexico won the bronze medal after a sweep of Cuba today at the NORCECA Pan American Cup Men’s Final Six, held September 19 to 24 at the Flair Airlines Hangar (Expo Centre), in Edmonton, Canada.

Mexico defeated the Caribbean nation’s team 3-0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-18).

Though Cuba led in attack points (38-37), Mexico led in blocking 12-5, service aces 2-0 and made fewer errors (16-25)

Luis Hernández Baca (18 points) and Josué López Rios (14 points) led Mexico’s effort.

Alejandro González Rodríguez and Yohan Armando Léon Napoles each scored 13 for the Cuban side.

USA and Canada play in the match for gold.

Jorge Azair, head coach of Mexico: “Compared with yesterday, our performance was better – our side out, our block and my setter was covering a lot of areas of the court. For us, the tournament helps in our preparation for the Olympic Qualification tournament coming up in China. It was good preparation for some of the players and I’m happy with what we achieved here.”

Manuel Espinosa, head coach of Cuba: “The Mexican team was superior to ours; they fought for the medal and won it. We made many mistakes, and the game was very scattered, focusing on other tasks outside the playing area, and that’s why we lost the opportunity to compete. Congratulations to Mexico”.