Venezuela Defeats Cuba in Straight Sets at the Pan American Cup

LEÓN, Guanajuato, August 27, 2025. – Venezuela earned a solid 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-21) victory over Cuba at the Men’s Pan American Volleyball Cup, being held at the Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato.

Venezuela remains perfect in Pool A with a 2-0 record, while Cuba drops to 1-1. In the final day of pool play, Venezuela will face Antigua and Barbuda (0-2) and Cuba will go up against the United States (1-1).

Cuba started strong in the opening set, taking a 4-0 lead with the attack of Alejandro González. However, Venezuela responded steadily, led by Willner Rivas and Emerson Rodríguez, building a comfortable advantage. Although Cuba tried to rally, closing the gap to 21-23, consecutive errors cost them the set.

The second set was completely dominated by Venezuela, with a huge lead and consistent pressure from the service line through Ronald Fayola, Jean Herrera, and Emerson.

In the third set, the score was tied at 15 points before Venezuela pulled away with the offense of Rivas and Emerson, along with José Carrasco’s blocking at the net. Two consecutive kills from Emerson sealed the Venezuelan victory.

Venezuela capitalized on 32 Cuban errors and was superior from the service line (9-2). Cuba held a slight edge in attacking (31-30) and blocking (5-4).

Emerson Rodríguez led all scorers with 15 points (12 kills, 3 aces). For Cuba, Alejandro González contributed 13 points (12 kills, 1 block).

After the match, Emerson Rodríguez said: “Thanks to God the work we have been doing for a long time finally paid off. Also, we weren’t at a good level due to the lack of international competition, but we came back strong in this tournament. We showed more attitude than Cuba and a greater desire to win.”