MORELOS, Mexico, August 11, 2026.- The United States picked up its second win at the 2026 Men’s Pan American Cup after defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-18) on Tuesday at Poliforum 2 of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM).
The United States improved its record to 2-0 in Pool A, while Puerto Rico dropped to 0-2.
On Wednesday, the United States will face Trinidad and Tobago, while Puerto Rico will play Costa Rica.
USA led Puerto Rico in kills 41-30, held a huge 11-1 advantage in blocks and outscored the Puerto Ricans 3-1 in service points. Puerto Rico committed fewer unforced errors, 21 compared to 31 by the United States.
Patrick Rogers led the United States with 12 points and Sean Kelly added 11. Pedro Molina was Puerto Rico’s top scorer with 11 points.
The United States took control of the first set in the second half and, after Puerto Rico pulled within one at 20-19, the Americans closed out the set 25-21.
Puerto Rico responded in the second set and built a four-point lead at 19-15. The United States rallied to tie the score at 19-19, and the teams were tied at 24 before the Americans scored the final two points to take the set 26-24.
In the third set, the United States took the lead midway through and pulled ahead 19-14. Puerto Rico tried to respond, but the Americans remained in control and closed out the match 25-18.
Patrick Rogers of the United States: “We played Puerto Rico last October and they came back and took that match to five sets. It’s always competitive against them, and that’s what we love; we want that, to play with intensity and be super competitive. We played together to get the win.”
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