July 24, 2025.- The U19 Boys’ World Championship kicked off this Thursday in Uzbekistan, but NORCECA teams were unable to secure victories on opening day.
POOL A
Argentina earned a straight-set victory over Puerto Rico (25-19, 25-21, 25-23), with Federico Debonis and Mauro Gay combining for a total of 32 points. Puerto Rican captain Jean Paul González was the only player on his team to reach double digits, scoring 13 points.
Puerto Rico held the edge in blocks (9-8), but Argentina outperformed them in attacks (42-28). Neither team recorded any service aces.
POOL B
At the Sport University Center, Canada initially surprised France by taking the first set, but the Europeans bounced back to win 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-20).
Reuben Veith led the Canadian side with 16 points, including 13 kills. Tyson Dezutter and Ethan Baraniuk also reached double digits with 10 points apiece.
Canada led in blocks (8-3), while France was superior in attacks (53-45) and service aces (5-1).
POOL D
Finland came from behind to defeat the United States 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20), powered by a 17-point performance from Kaapo Vanhatupa. Viktor Viljamaa and Kasper Vesanen added 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Finland’s defense made the difference, outblocking the Americans 11-6.
For Team USA, Grant Lamoureux and Elan Taylor each scored 13 points, with Payne Roman contributing 12.
In the final match of the day, Korea, bronze medalists in 2023, swept Cuba 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-20), led by 18 points from Lee Junho and 16 from Bang Kangho. Korea led in kills (47-41), blocks (7-4), and service aces (3-1).
Yosdani Medina was Cuba’s top scorer with 16 points.
Friday, July 25 Schedule (Local Time):
Puerto Rico vs Belgium – 11:00 AM
Canada vs Japan – 5:00 PM
United States vs Cuba – 8:00 PM
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