Third win in a row for Cuba at V U23 Men’s Pan American Cup

Cuba defeated Chile in straight sets (25-17, 25-21, 25-20) in their third win in row, with only one match left against Dominican Republic on Saturday in the round-robin competition of the V U23 Méns Pan American Cup at Ciudad Deportiva.

The reigning champions were superior to the young South Americans in every offensive skill with 38-23 in attacks, 11-5 in blocks and 7-4 in serves. However, the visitors committed fewer errors with 19 against 26 from the home team.

The well-built opposite hitter Alejandro Miguel Gonzalez of two meters and the outside hitter Bryan Camino (1.90m) scored double digits with 11 and 10 points respectively, as their coach had the opportunity to have all his players perform, benefiting his bench players.

With 14 points, Chilean Ian Gei was the leading scorer of the match, once again very active in his position as opposite.

Cuba, more stable and calmer, never lost control during the match, but the last set was similar, because their coach used most of his bench players, who were also committed to face any difficulties to close victorious.

Cuban head coach Jesús Cruz said, “it was an important match that guaranteed us to play for first place, because we only have one match left against Dominican Republic, who are also undefeated, but with two matches, and they should be our opponents for the gold”.

“It means that against the Dominicans it will only be a filling match, but with this win against Chile we reach our main goal to be in the final and also seal our berth to the 2025 Junior Pan American Games”.

Cuban middle blocker Ángel Suárez appreciated that “our opponent didn’t make things easy for us, but we were able to come on top with our level of play, tactics, and intelligence, we scored, we also committed errors, but we didn’t lose control. I think it was a good game”.

Iván Villarreal, the South American coach said, “Cuba was superior, they played much better than what they’ve been showing during the tournament, and they have been the fair winner”.

Francisco Matus, starting setter said “we performed well for moments, one on one against Cuba, but in others we failed a lot. Cuba did their game, but in general it was a good match, entertaining and there is always something to learn”.