Calgary, Canada, Aug. 05, 2025: Puerto Rico won the opening match of the 2025 NORCECA U21 Men’s Pan American Cup at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre in Calgary, Alberta, from August 5 to 10.
In a closely matched contest that was decided in the tie-break set, Puerto Rico defeated Mexico 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 25-19, 19-25, 15-10).
Puerto Rico led in attack points (51-48), blocks (15-10), and aces (5-4). Mexico did, however, make fewer errors (32-39).
Puerto Rico’s opposite Dylan Velazquez led all scoring with 25 points (23 kills, 2 blocks). Brandon Antonio Ramirez led Mexico’s efforts with 20 points (16 kills, 3 blocks, and an ace).
Gerardo De Jesús Sánchez, head coach of team Puerto Rico, said after the match: “Every time we play Mexico they prove to be a great team, it’s usually four or five sets. For this tournament, I have a lot of new players in our team this year. It’s good for a first game for our team.”
Six teams are participating in the tournament, which is serving as a warm-up for the upcoming FIVB U21 World Championship.
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