Cuba is the undefeated Pan American NORCECA Final Six Champion

TEPIC, Nayarit, Mexico, July 17, 2022.- Cuba was crowned undefeated champion of the Men’s Pan American Cup Norceca Final Six beating Canada 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-19) on Sunday at the Amado Nervo Auditorium of Tepic, Nayarit.

Cuba concluded the event with a perfect 7-0 record winning the gold medal over Canada who ended with a 5-2 record; Canada’s two losses were against Cuba.

The first set was led by Canada up to point 14 until Cuba managed to dominate. Cuba missed 3-match points (24-20) before celebrating their championship win; Simon Robertlandy scored the last point from a powerful spike.

Cuba prevailed by a 37-32 margin in attacks and 8-4 in blocks, Canada held an 6-5 advantage in serves. Cuba committed 23 errors and Canada totaled 25.

Outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez topped Cuba with 13 points on 12 kills and one block, and opposite hitter Jesus Herrera collected 14 points on 9 attacks, 2 blocks and 3 points from serves. Middle blocker Simon Robertlandy added 9 points.

Two players also led Canada with double-digits, outside hitter Brandon Koppers with 11 points on 8 kills and 3 aces, and opposite hitter Jordan Canham contributed with 10 points on 6 kills, 2 blocks and 2 aces.

Jesús Herrera, Opposite of Cuba: “For me and the entire Cuban team it’s the best there can be, and for those who support us far away. It is of great satisfaction because we showed we are well, we are making players, everyone is giving their talent. We showed what we know how to do. Cubans are Warriors, we don’t like to lose, and we always give our maximum effort. All the members of the team are experienced and great players”.

Brandon Koppers, Top scorer of Canada: “I am very proud of all the guys in our team, we have a very young team, and we showed some real guts out there. This is a great defensive team, we did very well and proved what we are made of. We take every point as experience, we are preparing for the Pan American Cup in August back in Canada, so for some of our younger guys it was a great experience. The tournament was amazing”.