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Venezuela wins gold medal at U-21 Pan Am Cup

 

PANAMA CITY, Panama, June 27, 2011 – Venezuela won the gold medal of the inaugural U-21 Men’s Pan American Cup following a 3-1 (25-23, 16-25, 25-19, 25-23) victory over Canada at Roberto Duran Arena on Monday.

 

The win completed an undefeated trip for the Venezuelan squad in five outings during the eight-team competition at the Panamanian capital.

 

Jhoser Contreras and Kelvin Piñerua led Venezuela with 21 and 18 points respectively while Emerson Rodriguez and Alejandro Sanoja each contributed 8 points. Canada’s Nicholas Hoag topped the defeated side with 17 and Daniel Moreau and Bradley Kufske notched 13 apiece.

 

The eventual champions out-blocked their opponents 13-9 in the blocking category and were also better in the aces department 8-4.

 

Venezuela’s coach Gilberto Herrera of Cuba said: “It was a very difficult match and not the regular 3-1 victory as the Canadians adjusted their defense and made it hard for us. I think our determination to win was the difference.”

 

Canada’s Georges Laplante commented:  “I am very proud of my boys who made a great effort and showed what they are capable even though we didn’t have enough time to prepare for this tournament.”