LA HABANA, Cuba, October 6, 2022.- Untied States dominated Chile in straight sets (25-18, 25-23, 25-17), to win pool A undefeated and advancing into Friday’s semifinal round at the Men’s u21 Pan American Cup at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum.
The North Americans once again performed orderly with great level in attacks, overcoming the South Americans 37-27 in kills, as well as effectivity in serves (10-4), while in blocking the U.S. was outnumbered (4-6), but committed fewer errors (21-24).
Leading scorers were from the winning team, outside hitter Zachary Rama (13) and opposite Shane Wetzel (12), while from Chile the only player with double figures was opposite Antar Derpich, who accumulated 10 points.
The United States finished the preliminary round with 3-0 record and 13 points, followed by Mexico (2-1), 10, Chile (1-2), 6 and Dominican Republic (0-3), 1.
Andy Read, head coach of United States said “this was an important match to win our pool and advance directly to semifinals. We will rest today, which is crucial, we will probably face Cuba on their court, so it will be a very good match”.
Shane Wetzel expressed “we played well, we did everything to win. Technical aspects in serving, blocking, and passing, I believe turned out well. Everything here is incredible; the event and I love Cuba and its surroundings. It’s my first time here”.
Iván Villarreal, head coach of Chile considered “United States is a steady team, they keep their serves, they played it well and harmed us, we have deficiencies in reception. They were consistent and we had too many ups and downs, it means move the game more, we will be careful in rearranging our group, evaluate players, who has projection and who doesn’t. Against Cuba in quarterfinals, we will different face”.
Middle blocker Martin Collao commented “it was an intense battle, and they went on learning how to control the game. The took seized the court and overpowered us, they are very disciplined in blocking, attacking, in the end, we miss what they have”.
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