Venezuela and Canada to dispute the gold medal at U-21 Cup

PANAMA CITY, Panama, June 26. 2011 – Venezuela advanced to a collision with Canada in Monday’s match for the gold medal of the U-21 Men’s Volleyball Pan American Cup taking place at Roberto Duran Arena in Panama City.

Winners of Pool A with a 3-0 win-loss record and of a direct ticket to the semifinals, Venezuela beat Puerto Rico in four sets by scores of 25-21, 21-25, 25-21, 25-20. Puerto Rico will play Chile for the bronze medal.

Kevin Piñerua scored 27 points including four aces to lead the winners followed by Daniel Arteaga with 12 points. Carlos Antonio contributed 8 points including six blocks. Puerto Rico’s Noah Marrero totaled 20 points and Josue Rivera and Jose Ribas finished with 10 apiece.

Both Coaches Idolo Herrera of Venezuela and Carlos Rodriguez of Puerto Rico agreed on that the outcome of the game could have gone either way. Herrera said the probable difference could have been their good location of the serves.

While Herrera said they will take the match against Canada as just another game, Rodriguez anticipates a big battle with Chile, a team they faced during pool play.