Cuba sweeps Puerto Rico for first Final 6 win

GATINEAU, CANADA. Aug. 21, 2024:  Cuba earned its first win today at the NORCECA Men’s Final 6 in Gatineau, Quebec, with a 3-0 (25-23, 26-24, 25-20) victory over Puerto Rico.

It was a tight match, with Cuba leading in attack points (38-35) and serves (7-3), but Puerto Rico holding the advantage in blocking points 12-9, and Puerto Rico making more errors 22-17.

Middle blocker Thiago Suarez Mendoza was Cuba’s top scorer with 13 points (9 attack points, 3 blocks and an ace).

Outside hitter Klistan Lawrence Vidal led Puerto Rico and all scorers with 18 points – 15 attack points, two blocks and an ace.

Cuba is now 1-1 after a loss to Mexico yesterday. Puerto Rico is winless, as the team also fell to host Canada yesterday.

Cuba’s head coach Jesus Angel Cruz Lopez said in the post-match interview:  “This was a very important game; yesterday we lost 3-0 against Mexico. This was the second match, and it was extremely important to come out with a victory that would keep us alive and give us a chance to compete for a medal at the end of the tournament.”