Argentina played 30 sets to claim Bronze at Pan Am Games

GUADALAJARA, Mexico October 29 2011.—Argentina clinched the bronze medal of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the XVI Pan American Games after defeating the host, Mexico in five sets (25-18, 22-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13).

The South American team, coached by Javier Weber, played a total of 30 sets during the competition to reach the podium. Mariano Giustiniano scored 22 points while Sebastian Sole registered 17 and Federico Pereyra finished with 16.

Mexican captain Ivan Contreras was the leading scorer of this match with 23 tallies, while Tomas Aguilera finished with 16. “It was very tough and intense, but these boys were able to come here and win a medal, we recovered on the fourth set and on the fifth anybody could win”, said Weber.

“I think there are no technical or tactical explanations it was a defeat but at the same time I feel so proud of the way the guys played, and how the people felt identified with a Mexican volleyball team, it had not happened in a long time”, said Jorge Azair, coach of Mexico.

“It is a bittersweet moment, like yesterday, but today it was harder, because we were not at 100 percent, but we faced teams with a great volleyball tradition like Cuba and Argentina, and I also appreciate the love of the people”, stated Contreras of Mexico.

“We had difficulties but we played at a good level to get back home with a medal. I am glad”, said Nicholas Bruno about the Argentinean team, that will start its preparation for the Olympic qualifying round in a few weeks.