Puerto Rico beat Mexico to remain undefeated at NORCECA Men’s Final Six

PONCE, Puerto Rico, October 7, 2025.- Puerto Rico beat Mexico 3-1 (25-20, 18-25, 25-16, 25-19) to remain undefeated in the NORCECA Men’s Final six taking place at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.

In the first set, Puerto Rico dominated with ease, relying on outside hitter Pelegrin Vargas. Mexico came back determined and won the second set 25-18 to even the score. Puerto Rico played a well-balanced third set, building a comfortable 8-2 advantage and using tactical serving to close the set 25-16. The action was even at the beginning of the fourth set, but the Puerto Ricans rallied to win it 25-19.

Puerto Rico held advantage in attacks (48-44), blocks (12-3) and serves (7-1) but Mexico committed fewer unforced errors (26-32).

For Puerto Rico, the offensive was led by opposite Jamal Ellis with 17 points (13 attacks and 4 blocks) and outside hitter Pedro Molina with 15 points (10 attacks, 1 block and 4 aces); meanwhile outside hitter Franky Hernandez Milantony was the best scorer for Mexico with 17 points (15 attacks, 1 block and 1 ace).

In the third day of competition Puerto Rico (2-0) will face Suriname (0-2) and Mexico (1-1) will play Canada (1-1).

Jamal Ellis, opposite of Puerto Rico: “We knew it was going to be a tough match from the start, but we made sure to prepare properly for this team. We know we have the potential to win a medal, so we’re more than ready for this. For the upcoming matches, we have to keep our heads high, stay positive, not dwell on our mistakes, and keep moving forward, as in these events we need to be united as a team.”

Franky Hernandez Milantony, outside hitter of Mexico: “It was a very good match, despite losing in four sets. We were hoping to push it to five. We know Puerto Rico is a very strong team, and in this tournament, they’re the team to beat. We started off a little pressured and rushed, but in the second set, we began to calm down, doing what we know, and we were able to win the set. Our next match is against Canada, another fairly strong team, and we must keep moving forward.”