Cuba wins gold medal of NORCECA U21

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, August 3, 2014 – Cuba won its fifth crown in the history of the NORCECA Men’s U21 Continental Championship with a 29-27, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Canada at Palacio de los Deportes of San Salvador on Sunday night. Both finalists were secured of tickets to next year’s FIVB World Championship to take place in Mexico.

Cuba claimed the title in 2000 and the won three consecutive editions of the biennial tournament in 2004, 2006 and 2008. The United States team, which finished third this time, had won the last two competitions. Osmany Uriarte and Abrahan Alfonso were the top offensive weapons of Cuba producing 20 and 15 points, respectively.

Osniel Rendon contributed 10 tallies. Blake Scheenrhorn led Canada with 11 points while Ryan Nickifor and Jeffrey Ardon had 9 and 8 points, respectively, in the losing effort. Cuba led in attacks 48-30 while Canada topped in blocks 7-4. Both teams scored three aces and the winners committed 29 errors to 24 by the losers.

Ricardo Calvo named MVP of NORCECA U 21

Ricardo Calvo of Cuba was named the Most Valuable Player of the NORCECA Men’s U21 Continental Championship. Calvo received the award to Best Setter. He was the leader of Cuba for won the gold medal. Alongside Calvo other Cubans recognized included in the All-Star Team were the Best Spiker, Osmany Uriarte, Luis Soza was the second Best Blocker, and Abrahan Alfonso the Best Server.

The Best Scorer and Best Opposite of the tournament was Samuel Valdez of El Salvador, and his teammate José Mejía, Best Blocker 1. Brandon Koppers, of Canada, was the Best Blocker 2. Juan Napky, of Honduras, was the Best Defense, Best Receiver and Best Libero.