GATINEAU, August 14, 2022 – Osniel Melgarejo of Cuba was named the Most Valuable Player of the Men’s Pan American Cup held in Gatineau, Quebec of Canada won by his team with a victory over host Canada on Sunday.
GATINEAU, August 14, 2022: Cuba went undefeated and won the 15th Pan American Cup gold medal today in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
The Cuban team swept home-crowd favourites 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-23) fighting off a late attempt by Canada to extend the match.
Cuba has the advantage in all skills – a strong offense with 39 attack points (compared with 26 by Canada), 7-3 in blocking and 6-3 in service points.
Canada gained 25 points from Cuban errors, compared with 23 Canadian team errors.
Opposite Jesus Herrera of Cuba topped the score sheet with 15 points and teammates Osniel Hernandez and Miguel Angel Lopez scored 11 apiece.
Mathias Elser was top scorer for Canada with 8 points.
Cuba, a team that also recently earned a spot in next year’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League, wins the tournament and a berth to the 2023 Pan American Games.
GATINEAU, August 14, 2022: Cuba went undefeated and won the 15th Pan American Cup gold medal today in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
The Cuban team swept home-crowd favourites 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-23) fighting off a late attempt by Canada to extend the match.
Cuba has the advantage in all skills – a strong offense with 39 attack points (compared with 26 by Canada), 7-3 in blocking and 6-3 in service points.
Canada gained 25 points from Cuban errors, compared with 23 Canadian team errors.
Bonacic (CHI) spikes the ball against Team USA triple block
Opposite Jesus Herrera of Cuba topped the score sheet with 15 points and teammates Osniel Hernandez and Miguel Angel Lopez scored 11 apiece.
Mathias Elser was top scorer for Canada with 8 points.
Cuba, a team that also recently earned a spot in next year’s FIVB Volleyball Nations League, wins the tournament and a berth to the 2023 Pan American Games.
GATINEAU, August 14, 2022: The United States won the bronze match today at the 15th Men’s Pan American Cup at the Centre Slush Puppie arena in Gatineau, Quebec.
Opponent Chile tried to extend the match with strong third set performance, but the U.S. rallied for the 1-3 (16-25, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25) victory and the bronze medal
“I’m proud of my team and the ability to come back after a really tough match last night (semi-final) against Canada,” said U.S. Head Coach Andy Read. “To respond like that today against a very resilient Chilean team; I’m really happy.”
The U.S. was the better attacking team (56-42) and led in aces (11-5). Both teams had 7 blocking points and made an equal amount of errors at 23.
Team USA celebrates
Opposite Jake Hanes was the U.S. top scorer with 21 points, including 4 aces. Outside hitter Vicente Parraguirre of Chile led all scorers with 26 points.
GATINEAU, August 14, 2022: Puerto Rico defeated Mexico 3-1 (26-24, 25-27, 25-23, 25-19) in today’s 5-6 classification match at the 15th Pan American Cup at the Slush Puppie Centre in Quebec, Canada.
Puerto Rico finishes fifth and Mexico sixth out of eight teams.
Puerto Rico led in attack points (52-48) and aces (8-6) while Mexico earned more points from their blocking (8-10). Puerto Rico gained 33 points from errors; Mexico picked up 29 from their opponent.
Puerto Rico celebrates beating Mexico for 5th place
Opposite Pedro Molina (16 pts), Klistan Lawrence (15 pts) and middle Jonathan Rodriguez (13 pts) were top scorers for the winning side.
Outside hitter Josue Lopez contributed 13 points (10 successful attacks, 2 blocks and an ace) for Mexico.
GATINEAU, August 14, 2022: A young Brazilian squad could not hold off a more experienced Dominican side today at the 15th Pan American Cup held at the Slush Puppie Centre in Quebec, Canada.
It was the sixth five-set match of the tournament; 2-3 (23-25, 25-22, 17-25, 18-25, 10-15) with the Dominican Republic securing seventh place as winner of this classification final.
The teams were even on attack points at 58, and Brazil was the better blocking side (12-9). The Dominicans had an impressive 10 ace serves, five from opposite Gerson Ezequiel Toribio, compared to the South Americans with two aces. Errors were almost equal (28-27) with Brazil getting the slight advantage.
Veteran outside hitter Wilfrido Hernandez led all scoring with 25 points. Brazil’s Maicon dos Santos França added 20 points to the losing side’s total.
Hernandez (DOM) spikes the ball against Team BRA double block
This was the first of four matches in today’s schedule that culminates in the gold medal match between Canada and Cuba.
GATINEAU, August 13, 2022: A dramatic semi-final win over USA lands host Canada in the gold-medal match of the 15th Men’s Pan American Cup at the Centre Slush Puppie arena in Gatineau, Quebec.
Canada prevailed in five sets 3-2 (22-25, 21-25, 29-27, 25-23, 15-12) after the U.S. looked in control of the first half of the match.
Canada had a strong start in set three, then USA evened it up at the 11-point mark, but the home crowd-favourites kept fighting and managed to close the third after five set-point opportunities.
The fourth set was back and forth, but finally Canada capitalized on the U.S. errors and looked confident in the tie-break set.
The U.S. led in attack points with 69 (compared with Canada’s 66) and opposite Jake Hanes of Team USA led all scorers with 27 points. The U.S. also led in blocking (8-6).
Canada had eight service points compared to seven for the U.S. and Canada made fewer errors (28-32).
M. Elser (CAN) spikes the ball
For Canada, Brodie Hofer was lead scorer and contributed 22 points.
Canada will face Cuba in the gold-medal match on Sunday, and the U.S. will play Chile for bronze.
A berth to the Pan Am Games, which will be held in Santiago, Chile in 2023, is at stake at this tournament.
GATINEAU. August 13, 2022: Cuba had a decisive 3-0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-21) semi-final performance against Chile today at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada at the 15th Pan American Cup.
Cuba led in all skills – attacks (45-33), blocks (8-6) and strong serving gave them five aces compared with Chile’s two. Chile lost 17 points to errors compared to Cuba’s 16.
Chilean outside hitter Vicente Parraguirre led all scorers with 20 points.
Team captain Miguel Angel Lopez topped Cuba’s scoresheet with 18 points, including three aces; followed by opposite Jesus Herrera with 15.
Lopez (CUB) spikes the ball
Cuba will now play for gold on Sunday and contend for a berth at the 2023 Pan American Games, which will be held in Chile.
GATINEAU, August 13, 2022: Dominican Republic was defeated by Mexico 1-3 (14-25, 29-27, 18-25, 15-25) today at the 15th Pan American Cup at the Slush Puppie Centre in Quebec, Canada.
Mexico earned its way into the fifth-place match and they will meet Puerto Rico at 11:30 am ET on Sunday. Brazil and Dominican Republic play at 9 am ET for places seven and eight.
This afternoon, Mexico led in attack points (53-37) and serves (8-7) and made 10 fewer errors than its opponent. Puerto Rico gained one more blocking point than Mexico (9-8)
Dominican opposite Henry Omar Tapia led scoring with 18 points.
Outside hitter Mauro Isaac Fuentes of Mexico led the winning side with 17 points, followed by teammate Josue De Jesus Lopez with 14 points to his credit.
Fuentes (MEX) spikes the ball
The schedule continues with semis today and medal matches on Sunday afternoon.
GATINEAU, August 13, 2022: A young Brazilian squad was defeated by Puerto Rico 0-3 (23-25, 22-25, 19-25) today at the 15th Pan American Cup held at the Slush Puppie Centre in Quebec, Canada.
Puerto Rico will get a chance to play for 5th place in the tournament tomorrow, and Brazil will play to determine places seven and eight.
Puerto Rico’s more efficient offense was the difference maker in this match: they led by 43-28 in attacking points. Other skills were more even: 4-4 in blocks and 4-4 in service aces. Puerto Rico had slightly more errors than Brazil (28-24).
For Puerto Rico, 19 year-old Klistan Lawrence stood out as top scorer with 21 points. Samuel Carazzai de Morais Neufeld, at 17 years of age, led scoring for the South American side with 13 points.
Lawrence (PUR) spikes the ball against Team BRA double block
This was the first of four matches in today’s schedule.
GATINEAU, August 12, 2022: The United States defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-17, 29-27, 26-24) on Friday evening at the 15th Men’s Pan American Cup at the Centre Slush Puppie arena in Gatineau, Quebec Canada.
Team USA advances to the semi-finals along with Chile, who beat Mexico in the earlier quarterfinal today, Canada and Cuba.
The U.S. will face North American rivals Canada in its semi on Saturday.
Today, the U.S. led in attacking (45-39), blocking (10-4) and service points (7-5). However, the winning team had slightly more errors than Puerto Rico (20-18).
Opposite Jake Hanes and middle Patrick Gasman of USA led scoring with 17 points apiece. Klistan Lawrence Vidal was top scorer of Puerto Rico with 15 points followed by teammate Kevin Lopez who contributed 12.
Omene (USA) spikes the ball against Team PUR double block
A berth to the Pan Am Games, which will be held in Santiago, Chile in 2023, is at stake at this tournament.
GATINEAU, August 12, 2022 – Mexico faced Chile in the first quarterfinal of the day at the 15th Men’s Pan American Cup in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada with the South American team coming up on the winning side of five sets 2-3 (25-17, 17-25, 21-25, 26-24, 14-16).
Sets were unpredictable throughout the match. Pressure by the Mexican team put them ahead in the fifth set, but Chile fought back and prevailed in extra points.
The Chilean team led in attack points (62-52), was slightly better in blocking (12-11), but Mexico had the advantage in aces (7-4) and gained more points from the opposing team’s errors.
Chile advances to the semi-finals, which will be held tomorrow.
Outside hitter Vicente Parraguirre of Chile had an impressive 37 points, and team captain Dusan Bonacic contributed 14 for the winning team.
Outside hitter Josué López was top scorer (15 points) for the Mexican team; followed by teammate opposite Diego González with 11 points.
Chilean players celebrate after winning their match against Team MEX
A berth to the Pan Am Games, which will be held in Santiago, Chile in 2023, is at stake at this tournament.
GATINEAU, August 11, 2022: Host team Canada won in the tie-break over Brazil to top Group B today at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
It was an even contest until the fifth set: the scores were 22-25, 25-20, 21-25,25-20, 15-7. Canada, with two wins and a loss, advances directly to the semi-finals on Saturday.
Canada led in attack points (57-38) as well as in service points (11-8) and made the most of the young Brazilian team’s errors. Brazil was the better blocking team in this match with 10 to Canada’s eight points.
Canadian players celebrate
Jordan Canham was top scorer for Canada with 15 points, followed by teammate Brodie Hofer who contributed 14 to the score card.
Lukas Felipe Bergmann led Brazil’s efforts with 17 points.
The tournament, which will decide a berth to the Pan American Games, now moves in the playoff phase.
GATINEAU- August 11, 2022: The United States fell to Cuba today in both teams’ final Pan American Cup Group A match – 0-3 (21-25, 20-25, 19-25) at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
A strong offense led to Cuba’s sweep – leading 44-31 in attack points. USA led in blocking (8-5) and service points were even at three each. Cuba also capitalized on the United States’ errors (18-23).
Cuban opposite Jesus Herrera led the winning team in scoring with 16 points; followed by Miguel Angel Lopez Castro with 12. For the U.S., opposite Jake Hanes led that team’s scoring with 13 points.
This was the North American team’s first loss, while Cuba remains undefeated to top Group A.
GATINEAU, Canada, August 11, 2022: In Group B Pan American Cup action today, Mexico was defeated by Puerto Rico 2-3 (14-25, 15-25, 25-21, 25-20, 17-19) at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada.
Mexico lost the first two sets before attempting a serious comeback, and winning sets three and four. The fifth set was back and forth until 6-6 when Mexico made a push followed by Puerto Rico’s answer back. Finally, in extra points, Puerto Rico prevailed.
Puerto Rico had the slight advantage in attacks 59-56, blocks 10-9 and made fewer errors. Mexico had eight aces, compared to Puerto Rico’s four.
This was Mexico’s first loss of the tournament, and Puerto Rico’s second win. Both teams are now 2-1.
Diego González Castañeda of Mexico led all scorers with 27 points. Pelegrin Vargas of Puerto Rico brought in 19 for the winning side, followed by teammate Pedro Molina with 15 points.
Gatineau, Quebec. August 11, August 11, 2022: In the first match of the final day of pool play at the 15th Pan American Cup, Group A’s Chile and Dominican Republic battled it out at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, Quebec.
Chile won the contest 3-1 (21-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-15) for their first victory of the tournament.
Chile’s strong offense (led in attack points 61-42) as well as serves (8 to the opponent’s 4) made the difference. Chile edged out the Dominicans in blocking points, 9-8, but Chile made more errors than the Caribbean team.
Gatineau, 10 aug.- Canada rebounded from a shocking five-set defeat in tournament debut and dominated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-17, 25-17 and 25-19) in Pool B action of the 15th Pan American Cup.
Inspired by their four-set win over Brazil in their first game, Puerto Rico kept the host team at bay in the first third of the match (tied at eight), but Canada soon moved away with a solid spikes and blocks, combined with two aces by Jordan Canham, to take the first set 25-17.
Puerto Rico tried to regain momentum and stayed in contention in the second set until the second technical time-out (14-16). From there, the Canadian service and attack wreaked havoc on their opponents as they cruised to an easy 25-17 win.
Both teams traded points early in the third set. Samuel Cooper was lethal from the service line as Canada led 16-10. Fynnian McCarthy and Mathias Elser also added aces and the former sealed a comfortable win with a solid attack.
Team Canada celebrates after winning over Team Puerto Rico
Gatineau, 10 aug.- The United States kept their winning streak at the 15th Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-18 and 25-14) win over Chile in Pool B action at the Slush Puppie Centre.
Coming from a 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic in their opening match, the North American squad found strong opposition from Chile, who held a narrow lead 10-8 and then 16-15 at the second technical time-out. But the United States kept the pressure. With the set tied at 21 points, Jake Hanes’ solid attack and effective blocks led the USA to take the opening set 25-22.
Early in the second set, Chilean setter Matias Banda collided with a fellow player and fell to the ground. With Araya out, the South American squad struggled to keep up with the American offense. Patrick Gasman, Jake Hanes and Jacob Pasteur inflicted some damage in their opponents’ defense. After a long rally, Pasteur finished the 25-18 set victory with a solid cross attack.
Determined to finish the game in three sets, the USA came back strongly and built an early 5-0 lead. Pasteur continued to lead the offense and the team backed it up with effective blocks. Chile was never able to stop the American system as Kyle McCauley sealed the 25-14 set and match victory with a solid spike.
McHenry (USA) spikes the ball against Team CHI double block
Jake Hanes led the USA performance with 15 points, followed by Pasteur (13). Vicente Parraguirre was Chile’s top scorer with 13 points.
Both undefeated in two matches, Cuba and the USA for the top position of Pool A on Thursday. The Dominican Republic and Chile will play for the third place in the Pool on the same day.
Gatineau.- Mexico kept its winning streak in Pool B of the Pan American Cup with a 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-18 and 25-19) victory over Brazil on Wednesday at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau.
Looking to rebound after a defeat to Puerto Rico in their tournament debut on Tuesday, the Brazilian squad, made up of players aged 18-19 years old, started out aggressively, leading 8-5 and 16-10 at the two technical time-outs. Their lead was never threatened, and Carlos Rodrigues sealed the 25-19 set victory with a solid attack.
The second set remained even, with both teams exchanging points and Mexico slightly ahead 16-15. An efficient block and an ace by Diego Gonzalez in the latter stages paid the way for a 25-20 victory and a game tie one set each.
That’s what Mexico needed to recover their winning ways, a day after a shocking victory over hosts Canada in their opening match. Their block, on court experience, effective defense and the attacking duo of Diego Gonzalez and Mauro Fuentes found no match in the young Brazilian squad and went on to win the remaining sets 25-18 and 25-19.
Gonzalez contributed 22 points for the winners, followed by Josue Lopez (13) and Fuentes (11). Lukas Bergmann was Brazil’s top scorer with 13 points with Samuel Carrazai (12) and captain Arthur Bergmann (11) also in double digits.
Mexico plays Puerto Rico and Brazil faces Canada on the final day of Pool B action on Thursday.
GATINEAU, August 10, 2022 – Defending champions Cuba remains undefeated with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-12) victory over the Dominican Republic in Pool A of the Pan American Cup.
With a different starting line-up from their Cup debut win Tuesday against Chile, Cuba contained a well known Caribbean rival, staying in front at both technical time-outs 8-6 and 16-13. Michael Sanchez’s spike sealed the victory in the opening set 25-12.
The start of the second set remained even, with Cuba slightly ahead 8-6. The Dominican Republic rebounded and took control 16-13 at the second technical time-out, but their Caribbean opponents tied it up at 17. They traded points until a 21-point tie. With Jesus Herrera from the service line, the Dominican Republic struggled, and the opposite player finished the set with an ace and a final 25-21 score.
In the third set, the Dominican Republic built an early 8-4 and 16-14 lead at the first and second technical timeouts. Cuba reacted and tied the score at 18. With Roamy Alonso from the service line, the Dominican Republic made some costly mistakes and saw their chances slip away 18-21. The gap remained, and Marlon Yant sealed the set 25-12 and the match victory for Cuba.
Yant (CUB) spikes the ball against Team DOM double block
Jesus Herrera was the top scorer for the Cuban squad with 14 points, followed by Osniel Mergarejo (10) and Roamy Alonso (9). Wilfrido Hernandez set offense with 11 points for the Dominican Republic.
Cuba plays the United States and the Dominican Republic meets Chile in the last preliminary round matches of Pool A on Thursday.
GATINEAU, August 9, 2022- Mexico overcame a 0-2 deficit to shock hosts Canada 3-2 (23-25, 13-25, 25-21, 25-23 and 15-11) in Pool B action of the 15th Pan American Cup at the Slush Puppy in Gatineau, Quebec.
Mexico, who is fielding their best team in preparation for the World Championships, started out well, leading 8-6 and 16-12 at the technical time-outs. But Canada bounced back and tied the set at 18 points. With the scored at 23 points, an attack out of bounds by the opponent and a solo block by Mahias Elser paid the way for Canada to win 25-23.
Canada kept the momentum on court and built a sizable 16-11 lead in the second set. Two consecutive aces by Brodie Hofer put Canada in a comfortable position as they secured a comfortable 25-13 victory.
Mexico rebounded and started strong in the third set 5-0. Canada responded and moved to the front 16-15 at the second time-out. The score remained even, but captain Christian Aranda unleashed three consecutive aces to win 25-21.
Canada seemed destined to finish the match in four sets as they led 8-4 and 16-12 at the two technical timeouts. Mexico shortened the deficit and managed to tie at 20 points. A solid attack and an ace by Josue Lopez helped them prevail 25-23 to force a tie-break.
Mexico maintained their inspiration and built an early 5-2 lead, but Canada responded and tied the game at seven. With the scored even at 10, solid attacks by Mauro Fuentes, Diego Gonzalez and a block by Jonathan Martinez and Josue Lopez put Mexico 14-11 ahead and they finally sealed the match victory 15-11 after two hours and ten minutes of play.
Josue Lopez led the Mexican offense with 16 points, followed by Diego Gonzalez (12) and Mauro Fuentes (12). Brodie Hofer was Canada’s top scorer with 23 points. Mathias Elser (14) and Cole Ketrzynski (10) were also in double digits.
Canada plays Puerto Rico and Mexico faces Brazil Wednesday in Pool B.
GATINEAU, August 9, 2022- Cuba opened its title defense campaign with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-20 and 28-26) victory over Chile in Pool A action of the 15th Pan American Cup at the Slush Puppy Centre in Gatineau, Canada.
Coming from their recent victory at the Challenger Cup and qualification to the 2023 Volleyball Nations League, Cuba started out strongly, leading 8-4 at the first technical time-out and 16-10 in the second one. The Cuban kept their solid display on court and went on to win 25-17.
At the second set, Dusan Bonacic’s attacks and ace gave the South American team some momentum and led 14-12, but Miguel David Gutierrez’s ace and Marlon Yant’s spike switched the score 16-14 in Cuba’s favour. Chile never gave up and Bonacic put his squad back 20-21, but an ace by captain Miguel Angel Lopez and two solid attacks by Yant and Lopez secured the set 25-20 for the defending champions.
The third set stayed more even with Cuba’s 8-7 advantage at the first time-out, but Chile bounced back and regained the lead 15-12, with solid spikes from brothers Vicente and Tomas Parraguirre, and Bonacic. Never out of contention, Cuba tied at 23 with a 2-man block by Livan Osoria and Marlon Yant. After four match points, Julio Cesar Cardenas’ strong serve sealed the 28-26 victory and the match win.
Marlon Yant led the Cuban offense with 15 points, followed by Gutierrez (14) and Osoria (13). Vicente Parraguirre was the main figure for Chile with 17 points, supported by Bonacic (13).
Chile and Cuba play in Pool A together with the United States and the Dominican Republic.
GATINEAU, August 9, 2022- Puerto Rico opened Pool B action of the Pan American Cup with a 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 21-25 and 27-25) over Brazil in two hours at the Slush Puppy Centre in Gatineau, Canada.
The South American team, made up of players aged 18-19, started out ahead 8-6 and continued to lead 16-15. The Puerto Rican defense, combined with Pedro Nieves and Klistan Lawrence’s spikes, proved to be crucial to revert the score 23-20, before Pedro Molina sealed the win 25-21 in the opening set.
In the second set, the most experienced Caribbean squad continued its solid performance and built an early 6-2 lead. With Pedro Molina’s two consecutive aces and smart plays by setter Arturo Iglesias, Puerto Rico increased in front 16-9 and reached an insurmountable 20-11 score, before they went on to win 25-18.
In the third set, both teams traded points, but Brazil took the lead briefly 12-11 and 19-18. Witalio de Sousa’s ace opened a 2-point lead (22-20) and went on to win 25-21.
The young South American squad kept its momentum and kept the fourth set within reach 14-16. Puerto Rico stayed on top. Its defense and offense proved crucial to keep Brazil at bay 23-19. But Brazil bounced back to tie 25-25. Jonathan Rodriguez and Pelegrin Vargas’ spikes paid the way for the 27-25 set and match victory.
Klistan Lawerence led the winners’ offense with 18 points, followed by Pedro Molina (16) and Jonathan Rodriguez (15). Samuel Carazzai de Morais produced 22 points for Brazil and was supported by captain Arthur Bento with 13.
Puerto Rico and Brazil play in Pool B together with Canada and Mexico.
The United States beat the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-23) to open the 15th Pan American Cup, held at the Slush Puppie Sports Centre in Gatineau, Canada.
Despite a strong start by the Caribbean squad, the USA bounced back and tied the opening set at 11 and reached the second technical time-out with a narrow 16-14 lead. Solid attacks by Jake Hanes, Merrick McHenry and Brett Wildman and Patrick Gasman secured the first set 25-23.
The USA remained on top in the second set, leading 8-6 and 16-14. But the Dominican Republic kept fighting and Henry Tapia led them to a 23-22 lead, but the USA bounced back with an effective block and a strong attack by Jake Hanes secured win 25-23.
The third set appeared to go one way with the USA taking a healthy 7-1 lead and 16-12 at the second time-out. The Dominican Republic never gave up and with solid clocks managed to tie the set at 21. However, Jake Hanes’ attacks proved to be lethal and paved the way for another identical 25-23 set win and match victory.
Hanes led the winners’ performance with 20 points, followed by Gasman (11). Captain Henry Tapia was the main contributor from the Dominican Republic with 16 points.
Both teams play in Pool A with Chile and Cuba as the other contenders
Group A:Nicolas Vives, Head Coach of Cuba We just returned from winning the World Challenge in Korea and qualifying to the VNL next year. We want to perform well here while also testing new players and resting some of our key men after a busy campaign and in preparation for the World Championships.
The team is almost the same as the one who won this tournament in 2019, with the addition of Robertlandy Simon and Michael Sanchez. I started coaching this generation of players in 2017 and they are progressing well, from the U19 to the U23 World Championships and their involvement in international leagues. They have matured technically and tactically and are now in a better place to solve crucial moments in a game. This generation should peak in 2024 and stay with the world’s best and the VNL is a great step forward.
Guy Bradbury, President of the NORCECA Refereeing Commission, at the Preliminary Inquiry meeting
Andy Read, Head Coach of USA
The team is a blend of guys that we had at the Pan Am Final 6 in Mexico and some guys that are coming back from VNL. It is a very good blend. Our talent level and physically are better that what it was in Mexico. We look forward to a better finish than Mexico (bronze).
The team preparing for the World Championships is staying in Anaheim, so our guys are here to gain more experience.
This tournament is the most important ever in the history of the Pan Am Cup. It has world rankings points involved for Olympic qualification, which is everything.
Team USA at the Preliminary Inquiry meeting
Jorge Gutierrez, Head Coach of the Dominican Republic
It is important to be here to gain experience. We have our U21 team, they are young, and we want to improve our level of play. The players here just want to play and show the world they can play at this level.
Daniel Nejamkin, Head Coach of Chile
Our goal here is make the podium, plain and simple. We think we can do it. So we are going to play for that.
The Pan American Cup is better for us than training because we have to play against a lot of teams that are ranked similar or better than us. In South America, Brazil and Argentina play at a higher level, and we always play against Colombia and Venezuela. So here, we have the opportunity to play against international teams that can really test us.”
Group B
Jorge Azair, coach of Mexico
We have prepared well since the start of the year. It’s a young team that has been progressing well and preparing for the World Championships. We have lost players through injury and conflicts with school calendars. We secured our main goals so far by qualifying to the 2023 Pan Am Games and the World Championships.
We are here to obtain valuable world ranking points for future events such as the Olympic qualifiers for 2024.
Oswald Antonetti, coach of Puerto Rico
This is our third tournament this summer. We have been adding elements and some key players are returning here to join the squad preparing for the World Championships. We treat this tournament with the same rigour as the World Championships.
We have a young team who is creating an identity. Some of these players won the Norceca championship last year. We have been working on creating a sense of sacrifice, courage, discipline and identity that we need so much as an Island.
We have 90% of the players here who will make the squad for the World Championships. For us, the World Championships starts with this Cup. We train well and we are able to execute the modern form of playing volleyball. We are integrating the right elements into our game. We can’t accelerate this process.
We want to give the guys some good experience. We are very glad and happy to be playing at a high-level competition like this. This experience will help them achieve their future goals and the teams’ goals moving forward.
They are a young team, so this is a development opportunity for the guys, especially mental development. Representing Brazil, our country, is something to be very proud of, so we hope we will continue to play with pride throughout the tournament.
Fun Facts:
Brazil #19 is son of Adriana Bento, Canadian beach volleyball coach. He is Canadian dual citizen.
They’ve already qualified for the Pan Am Games through Jr Pan Am games, this tournament is therefore important for FIVB ranking for the Olympics and VNL qualifications.
Brazil and NORCECA representatives at the Preliminary Inquiry meeting
Dan Lewis, Head Coach of Canada
We have a pretty experienced group, there’s a lot of guys that train here that have the potential to go to World Championships so I feel that we should be trying to win our pool, as the first step. Then of course I would like the guys to be in the medals. So you can expect that we are fighting for gold.
The guys are excited first not having to listen to me yell at them in training, and to actually play a game. But of course, obviously competing. There are so many great countries here, it’s not just the top hemisphere, but the southern hemisphere as well with a bunch of dynamic players. We hardly ever see Chile; Brazil is younger, but they are very highly skilled and they’re big so it’s super fun to play a group like that. Cuba’s A team just qualified for VNL, are now near the top 10 best teams in the world probably, with maybe arguably one of the best serving teams in the world. So I think opportunity to compete first for the guys, and then to actually be competing against some of the best talent in the world, is really good for them.”
A quick thank you, we know it takes a lot of organization and everyone is working so hard to host an event this size. We’re very excited about the new gym too and what we can get going there. And then to the volunteers, we know they come and give a lot of their time, so we thank them, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Alan Ahac, Volleyball Canada’s Director, Indoor International Events, at the Preliminary Inquiry meeting
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