PONCE, Puerto Rico, August 27, 2026. – The United States completed an undefeated preliminary round at the NORCECA Men’s Final Six with a four-set victory over host Puerto Rico on Thursday at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium.
The set scores were 25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21. Team USA finished the preliminary round with a 5-0 record, while Puerto Rico ended at 3-2.
Both teams will meet again in the semifinals on Friday at 8:00 p.m. In the other semifinal, Canada and Mexico will face each other at 6:00 p.m.
The United States’ serving proved to be an important factor in the victory, as the Americans produced 13 aces compared to Puerto Rico’s six. The United States also held the advantage in kills (47-41), while Puerto Rico led in blocks (12-10). Puerto Rico committed 27 errors and the United States 33.
One of the key moments came in the third set, when the United States recovered after falling behind 8-1. The Americans worked their way back into the set and eventually prevailed 25-23 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Sean Kelly led the United States with 14 points, followed by Kyle Hobus with 13, Sterling Foley with 12, including a match-high 5 aces and Jackson Cryst with 10.
For Puerto Rico, Pelegrín Vargas led with 17 points, followed by Jonathan Rodríguez with 13 and Klistan Lawrence Vidal with 12.
Sean Kelly – United States
“I think we did great in this match. We had a couple of interesting [referee] decisions, but we fought back and stayed very united as a team. In the third set we came back from being down 8-1, and it didn’t even feel like we were behind; it felt like it was 0-0. I think we did an excellent job as a team. Everyone stepped up and played well. I think you can expect us to play even better in the semifinals. We still haven’t reached our full potential, and I believe we’re only going to get better.”
Jamille Torres Rosario – Puerto Rico Head Coach
“It was a very tight match. We know all the teams are at the same level. One mistake can cost you, and it hurt us a bit at the end of the third set; we missed three serves in a row, which is complicated because it forces you to play perfect side-out. But we’re in the semifinals. We still have the opportunity to win a medal, and we’re focused on that. We’re going to be ready, we’re going to prepare well for tomorrow’s opponent, and we’re going to be in the final.”
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