USA and Dominican Republic guaranteed places at the Italy-Bulgaria 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Saturday, when they progressed to the final of the NORCECA Continental Qualifiers.
USA beat Canada 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-21) and the Dominican Republic also clinched a straight-sets victory, 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-23) over Mexico in the semifinals.
In the gold medal match, USA defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-17, 25-10, 25-12), Canada and Mexico have played off for the final qualifying spot and bronze medal. Canada fought back from losing the opening set to win 3-1 (21-25, 25-13, 27-25, 25-18) and complete the three qualifiers from the tournament.
The NORCECA Continental Qualifiers started on September 26 and finish on Sunday October 1 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The top three teams in the 10-team field will earn berths at the 2018 World Championship, while two more teams will come from a second NORCECA qualifier that will be held later in the year.
Tournament Awards
Most Valuable Player: Micah Christenson (USA)
Best Scorer: Alberto Blanco (Costa Rica)
Best Spiker: Aaron Russell (USA)
Best Spiker: Stephen Maar (Canada)
Best Middle: Jose Martinez (Mexico)
Best Middle: Leonel Antonio Aragon (Guatemala)
Best Setter: Pedro Rangel (Mexico)
Best Opposite: Sharone Vernon-Evans (Canada)
Best Libero: Luis Chavez (Costa Rica)
Best Receiver: Jorge Barajas (Mexico)
Best Digger: Luis Chavez (Costa Rica)
Best Server: Joann Breleur (Martinique)
