Great start propels USA to final and World Juniors

GATINEAU, Canada, August 20, 2010 -  The U.S. Team blasted from the gates, withstood a serious challenge in the second set and brought it home in the third to defeat Puerto Rico 25-15, 25-23, 25-16 in the first semifinal at the NORCECA men’s junior volleyball championships. The victory secured the winners a ticket in next year’s FIVB World Championship due to take place in Brazil.

Maurice Torres of the U.S. was the match’s top scorer with 16 points while Taylor Sander added 11.  The U.S. will meet the winner of the Cuba-Canada semifinal for the championship on Saturday. Jorge Antonio Lopez scored 13 points for Puerto Rico and Ricardo Archilla added seven. Puerto Rico is headed to the bronze medal game with a medal and the third and final berth for the world juniors on the line.

“We executed our game plan to a tee in the first set,” said U.S., head coach John Hawks.  “I don’t think we missed two serves.  We kept consistent pressure on them. But we knew they would come back strong. I’m proud of our effort.  We’re qualified but we are not done.”

 “Going to the world juniors was one of our goals going into this,” said Tyler Crabb, who earned seven points for the U.S.  “We are very excited about going to Brazil next year. But there is still another goal in front us and that is to win this tournament.”

Puerto Rico was coming off a two hour marathon victory in the quarterfinal over Mexico on Thursday.  But coach Ramon Lawrence said fatigue wasn’t a factor.

“We didn’t get into the rhythm of the game, we didn’t establish our block,” said Lawrence.  “The game last night didn’t affect us.”

“We have to forget about this game,” said Puerto Rico captain Ramon Burgos.  “We still have the chance to go to Brazil and we are looking forward to the next game.”