Fort McMurray, Canada, May 22, 2017 – Defending champions Brazil defeating Cuba in 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-18, 25-18) to win the gold medal of the U21 Pan American Cup. Both teams had earned their tickets to the FIVB Volleyball U21 World Championship to be held in the Czech Republic from June 23 to July 2 as the top ranked sides from South America and NORCECA at the intercontinental event.
“It was an important victory for us,” said Brazil’s coach Nery Tambeiro. “Our team is of a new composition. Cuba are very physically strong, and it’s very difficult to stop them. You have to break their reception and make them uncomfortable. There was a lot of very fast serves, but we were better. We will have to fight in the World Championships.”
Cuba’s coach Nicolas Vives Coffigny was satisfied with his team’s result. “I’m very happy that we have a silver medal and are qualified for the U21 World Championships (as first finisher in the NORCECA zone). I feel the team is getting better.”
Canada finished on a high note to pick up the bronze medal with an overwhelming 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-19) victory over Guatemala.
Final Positions
1. Brazil
2. Cuba
3. Canada
4. Guatemala
5. Puerto Rico
6. Chile
7. Barbados
Individual Awards
MVP: Victor Cardoso (BRA)
First Outside Hitter: Miguel Lopez (CUB)
Second Outside Hitter: Henrique Honorato (BRA)
First Middle Blocker: Javier Concepcion (CUB)
Second Middle Blocker: Flynn McCarthy (CAN)
Opposite: Miguel Gutierrez (CUB)
Setter: Adrian Goide (CUB)
Libero: Lucas Cavin (CHI)
Best Server: Miguel Gutierrez (CUB)
Best Receiver: Jordan Pereira (BRA)
Best Digger: Lionnis Salazar (CUB)
Top Scorer: Eric Loeppky (CAN)
Source and Photo: FIVB
