MORELOS, Mexico, August 14, 2026.- Puerto Rico came back after dropping the opening set to defeat Cuba 3-1 (18-25, 28-26, 28-26, 25-19) and advance to the semifinals of the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup at Poliforum 2 of the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM).
Puerto Rico will face Canada in the semifinals on Saturday, while Mexico and the United States will battle for the other spot in the final.
Cuba will face the Dominican Republic for fifth place on Sunday, prior to the medal matches.
After Cuba took the opening set 25-18, Puerto Rico responded in a tightly contested second set. With the score tied at 26-26, an Ismael Alomar block put the Puerto Ricans ahead, and a powerful attack by Klistan Lawrence sealed the 28-26 win to even the match.
The third set once again went beyond 25 points. Puerto Rico prevailed 28-26 to take a 2-1 lead. Riding the momentum of two consecutive closely contested set wins, the Puerto Ricans controlled the fourth 25-19 to secure their semifinal berth.
Puerto Rico outblocked Cuba 11-9 and held a 4-1 advantage in aces, while Cuba led in attacks 58-53. Puerto Rico committed 28 errors and Cuba 31.
Pedro Molina led Puerto Rico with 17 points, followed by Klistan Lawrence with 16. Pelegrín Vargas and Ismael Alomar contributed 10 points apiece.
Daniel Martínez led Cuba with 18 points, Yusniel González added 11, and Víctor Andreu finished with 10.
Jamille Torres, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “We knew we were coming into a tough tournament. It took us a little time, but little by little we have found our level. Now we have to prepare to face Canada, which I consider the most complete team in the tournament, but I think the guys are in very good spirits and we can build on that. Our goal was to fight for a medal, and we are still in contention.”
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