Puerto Rico beats Mexico in U21 opener  

Calgary, Canada, Aug. 05, 2025:  Puerto Rico won the opening match of the 2025 NORCECA U21 Men’s Pan American Cup at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre in Calgary, Alberta, from August 5 to 10.

In a closely matched contest that was decided in the tie-break set, Puerto Rico defeated Mexico 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 25-19, 19-25, 15-10).

Puerto Rico led in attack points (51-48), blocks (15-10), and aces (5-4).  Mexico did, however, make fewer errors (32-39).

Puerto Rico’s opposite Dylan Velazquez led all scoring with 25 points (23 kills, 2 blocks). Brandon Antonio Ramirez led Mexico’s efforts with 20 points (16 kills, 3 blocks, and an ace).

Gerardo De Jesús Sánchez, head coach of team Puerto Rico, said after the match: “Every time we play Mexico they prove to be a great team, it’s usually four or five sets.  For this tournament, I have a lot of new players in our team this year. It’s good for a first game for our team.”

Six teams are participating in the tournament, which is serving as a warm-up for the upcoming FIVB U21 World Championship.