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.” |