Mexico beat Cuba and advances to the gold medal match

 

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 7, 2007.- Mexico advanced to the gold medal match of the Men’s Pan American Cup with a convincing victory over Cuba in four sets on Thursday.

 

Relying on solid blocking and good overall defense, the Mexicans got the win by scores of 25-21, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22.

 

The victory earned Mexico one spot in next year’s Americas Cup in Brazil. Cuba remains with a chance to qualify for the Brazilian event if wins the bronze medal on Friday.

 

Gustavo Meyer led four Mexicans in double digits with 20 points, Irving Bricio and Jose Martell each had 15 and Juan Garcia chipped in 11. Cuban Yadier Sanchez led all the scorers with 25 and Raidel Delgado and Darien Ferrer had 19 and 11 respectively.

 

“I am very satisfied with this victory because it is the first time I get the chance to coach the Mexican Senior Team,” said Carlos Novoa. “The blocking was a key factor and also committed lesser errors than the Cubans.”

 

“We failed our counter attacks and serves,” said Juan Gala, the Cuban coach. “But we must give credit to Mexico and tomorrow we still have the chance to qualify for the Americas Cup.”