Suriname Earns First Victory at the Men’s Pan American Cup

LEÓN, Guanajuato, August 30, 2025.- Suriname captured its first win at the 18th Senior Men’s Pan American Cup, defeating Guatemala 3-1 (25-21, 29-27, 17-25, 27-25) at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

With this victory, Suriname advanced to the 9th/10th place match against the Dominican Republic, marking its best historical performance in the competition. Guatemala, meanwhile, will face Antigua and Barbuda for 11th/12th place.

The Surinamese side displayed character in crucial moments, particularly in the second and fourth sets, where they denied Guatemala multiple set points thanks to the leadership of captain Keven Sporkslede, who switched from his usual libero position —where he had played throughout the tournament— to outside hitter.

Blocking proved decisive for Suriname, outscoring Guatemala by a wide margin (13-5). Although Guatemala held the edge in attacking (60-50) and serving (5-1), they committed more errors (34-28), which ultimately tipped the balance.

Sporkslede was the match’s top scorer with 18 points (14 attacks, 4 blocks), supported by Zefanio Breinburg with 13 (11 attacks, 2 blocks) and Anfernee Lee A Leong with 10.

For Guatemala, Andy Leonardo led with 17 points, followed by Gerardo González with 13, while Yeferson Zavala and Jason Hernández each contributed 11. Team captain Carlos López, a key player, was unable to compete due to an injury sustained in the previous match.

Keven Sporkslede said about the win: “The team effort was a lot better. We defended more and the reception was better so we could do the side out easier today. We made the libero change which worked out well. This is already the highest place we have finished in a Pan American Cup, so we are very satisfied”.