GUADALAJARA, Mexico, August 15, 2023. – United States opened the XVI Men’s Pan American Volleyball Cup with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-13, 25-23) victory over Puerto Rico in Pool A, at the Astros Arena in this City.
After a closely contested first set, the United States gained an advantage in the second set from their service, accumulating 7 points that were impossible for Puerto Rico to match. In the third set, Puerto Rico put up a fight, but they couldn’t manage to close the set.
United States led in attacks 44-23 and in service points 7-3, while both teams tied in blocks 6-6. Puerto Rico conceded 19 points on errors but couldn’t capitalize on 28 points from their opponents.
Parker Van Buren was the top scorer for the United States with 15 points, followed by Jacob Pasteur with 14 points and 10 from Patrick Gasman. For Puerto Rico, Jamal Ellis finished with 9 points.
On the second day of the event, Wednesday the 16th, United States will face Chile at 2:00 p.m., and Puerto Rico will have a rest day.
Andy Read, coach of USA: “First, I want to acknowledge the work the organizers have done in providing such an excellent stage. It looks impeccable, and the audience is so engaged. I also want to congratulate Puerto Rico for their good work.”
Parker Van Buren, top scorer for the USA: “This is thanks to teamwork, the time we’ve trained together, the confidence we have in each other, and our commitment to doing what each of us is responsible for.”
Oswald Antonetti, coach of Puerto Rico: “There are good things, it’s a young team that needs to improve, gain a bit of character. It’s important for them to get to know each other, keep working, and aim for continuous growth. We got discouraged at one point; these are teams with a strong presence, and that’s part of what we need to improve.”
Omar Hoyos, captain of Puerto Rico: “It was a strong, closely-fought match. At the beginning, we shook off the nerves we had and started playing, although we lost that first set. In the second, we started poorly; it was our first game, and we believe we can take away good things and improve for what’s ahead.”
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