COLIMA, Mexico, June 22, 2024. – Cuba clinched the bronze medal at the Boys’ U17 Pan American Cup by defeating Canada 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-19) at the Multifunctional Auditorium in Colima, Mexico.
Cuba recovered from losing the first set to secure third place in the event, finishing with a record of three wins and two losses. Canada ended with a 3-3 record.
Cuba dominated in attacks (55-46) and service points (3-1), while Canada led in blocks (9-7). Cuba committed 25 errors compared to Canada’s 33.
Cuban captain and opposite hitter Yosdani Medina led all scorers with 23 points, all from attacks. Key contributions also came from outside hitter Andy Marrero, who scored 15 points (14 attacks and one service ace), and Samuel Rodríguez, who added 12 points (11 attacks and one service ace).
For Canada, Tyson DeZutter led with 19 points (18 attacks and one block), followed by Seth Brunoro with 14 points (12 attacks, one block, and one service ace), and William Clarmo, who contributed 12 points (11 attacks and one block).
The first set was closely contested, but Canada reached set point with two consecutive points from William Clarmo, a block and a kill. Andy Marrero denied them with a powerful attack, but ultimately, Tyson DeZutter clinched the set for Canada with an attack. In the second set, Cuba finished strong, scoring the last three points with kills from Andy Marrero and Yosdani Medina, followed by a Canadian error. In the third set, Cuba dominated in attacks (11-6) and finished it after a Canadian service error led to the final points by Medina and Samuel Rodríguez. Cuba reached match point in the fourth set thanks to a reception error by Canada, and two powerful attacks from Medina sealed the victory.
Lian Sem Estrada, head coach of Cuba, said, “In the final sets, we made adjustments, especially in our serves, changing their direction and placement. I think that was key to our victory. Given the experience gained, we should advance from our current position. I’m pleased because we have little time training, and the players followed the instructions well. I believe we’ll continue to grow as we prepare for the World Championship”.
Dan Ota, head coach of Canada said “Cuba is a very strong attacking team, and they were able to play with their style a little more than we were. We knew it was going to be a very difficult match and a difficult team to beat, I think our guys fought. Overall, our guys made too many mistakes in little things during the games. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the result. I am very proud of my team for getting better every day and they all have a very bright future in the game”.
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