GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, August 8, 2026.- Venezuela stunned the United States with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 26-24) victory to advance to the final of the Boys’ U17 Pan American Cup at the Multi-Sports Dome in Guatemala City.
In a closely contested match from start to finish, Venezuela managed to stay ahead in the decisive moments and relied on solid defense to contain a U.S. team that battled until the final point.
Venezuela will face Canada in the final this Sunday at 4:00 p.m., while the United States will play Mexico for the bronze medal at 2:00 p.m.
In the team statistics, the United States led in attacks 40-38, while Venezuela held a 7-6 advantage in blocks. Both teams recorded only one ace. The United States committed 30 unforced errors compared to Venezuela’s 21.
Venezuela’s Alejandro Rondón led all scorers with 12 points. Miguel Echarre and Josué García also reached double figures with 10 points each. For the United States, Gabriele Desiderio and Nikodem Opiola scored 10 points apiece.
Venezuela head coach Marín Pérez expressed his joy and satisfaction with the victory: “It is very satisfying to have won this way against a team as good as the United States. The guys played an excellent match, with a lot of determination and a positive attitude, and that is what gave us the victory.”
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