NOGALES, Mexico, June 11, 2024.- The United States won 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-12) over Nicaragua in their opening match of the NORCECA U21 Men’s Continental Championship in Nogales, Mexico.
In pool A, the United States will face Suriname on Wednesday, while Nicaragua will go up against Mexico.
The Americans were dominant, leading 42-16 in attacks, 7-2 in blocks, and 6-2 in service points. The United States gave away 29 points from unforced errors compared to 20 from Nicaragua.
Two players scored double digits for the United States; middle blocker Jackson Cryst with 13 points (8 attacks, 3 blocks, 2 aces) and outside hitter Sterling Foley with 11 points, all on attacks.
Nicaragua’s opposite Taushaun Hooker and outside hitter Evans Solís each scored six points.
Nicaragua managed to keep up with the U.S. only in the first set. The Americans dominated the rest of the match without complications.
Sean Kelly, captain of United States said: “It was a great beginning. We all know we could have played better but we’re just getting used to the gym, getting adjusted, we’re just making sure to stay together no matter what. We’ll definitely do better the rest of the tournament. In the first set we missed a lot of serves and didn’t have a lot of team energy, but towards the end we upped our level”.
Osmar Peralta, captain of Nicaragua, said: “The first set was much better. We executed a good attack and received well. Things didn’t go as we had planned. We’re going to turn the page and focus on the next match”.
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