Puerto Rico wins five-set thriller to Cuba, both move into Semifinals

POZA RICA, Mexico, November 9, 2023. - Puerto Rico won a five-set thriller 3-2 (20-25, 26-24, 25-17, 22-25, 18-16) against Cuba for the top spot in Pool B at the NORCECA U17 Men's Continental Championship in Poza Rica, Mexico. Both teams advanced to the semifinals.

Puerto Rico won Pool B undefeated  with a 3-0 record, while Cuba took second place with a 2-1 record. Both teams advanced to Saturday’s semifinals and also qualified for the 2024 FIVB World Championship.

In the match statistics, Puerto Rico led in kills 61-57 and service points 12-2, while Cuba had an advantage in blocks 11-7. Puerto Rico scored 31 points on Cuban errors and gave away 37 points.

Outside hitter Adrian Carrillo led Puerto Rico with 17 points on 11 kills, one block, and a match-high of 5 aces. Opposite hitter Erick Vazquez and middle blocker Jorge Suarez also contributed with 16 points each.

The leading scorer of the match was Cuban Yosdani Medina with 21 points on 19 kills and two blocks. He was joined by captain Byron Herrera with 12 points and outside hitter Andy Marrero with 11 attack points.

Puerto Rico recovered from losing the first set, evening the score after winning the second set with a six-point consecutive rally and recovering from a seven-point deficit (9-17).

Before celebrating the victory in the tie-break, Puerto Rico lost two match points (14-12) to Cuba’s block but in the end won in a dramatic finish 18-16 with a block by Erick Vazquez.

Puerto Rico’s coach, Carlos De Sevilla, commented on the historic win over Cuba, saying, “This is history. Cuba is a volleyball powerhouse in all categories. We are proud and happy for our program and the work we are doing. The boys had great motivation to win, without taking away credit from Cuba, who made us sweat until the end. We gave a great game to the people of Poza Rica, who deserve it”.

Cuba’s coach, Mario Izquierdo, said, “We had many ups and downs during the match. The boys knew how to recover and put up a fight. We let our guard down in receiving-passing-attacking when we almost had secured the second set; it’s natural in this age group, due to emotions. They have to experience and learn from it. The goal of qualifying for the World Championship was achieved, but we are going for the gold medal”.