United States beats Puerto Rico for fifth place at Pan Am Cup

COLIMA, Mexico, June 21, 2019.- United States beat Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-18) for fifth place at the fourteenth Men’s Pan American Cup that finished on Friday at the Multifunctional Auditorium of Colima, Mexico.

United States persevered over Puerto Rico with 44-30 margin in spikes, 10-5 in blocks and 4-3 in aces. United States benefited from 17 Puerto Rican errors and handed out 20. 

Opposite James Shaw topped United States with 15 points on 14 kills and one ace, outside hitter Samuel Holt added 14 points including 11 kills and Colton Cowell contributed with 10 points including 3 blocking points. Javier Rodriguez led Puerto Rico with 13 points.

Comments:

Coach Milan Zarkovic, coach USA: “It’s nice going back home with a win, even if it’s for fifth place. There are important lessons to learn from; there is a lot to work on. We are looking forward on continue practicing as most of these players will be competing at the Pan American Games”.

Oswald Antonetti, coach Puerto Rico: “Tactically speaking, today the payers followed instructions better, it doesn’t reflect in the results. It’s a complex process, this is a highly competitive tournament and we brought very young players that need to have these demanding games. We will evaluate to move a step forward”.