homepage

 

 

Mexico crowned Pan Am Cup Men’s Champions

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 9, 2021 – Mexico beat Canada 3-0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-20) to claim its second gold medal in the history of the Men’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at Ricardo Arias Pavilion on Thursday night.

It was precisely in Santo Domingo in 2007 when the Mexican side won the title with a victory over Puerto Rico in four sets for what was their only podium position in the event until tonight’s triumph.

After losing their first two matches of the preliminary round to United States and Canada, the Mexicans put together a five-game winning streak to claim the crown.

Diego Gonzalez and Josue Lopez led the Mexican attack with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Brodie Hofer was the only Canadian with double figures with a match-high 14 tallies.

Jorge Azair, coach of Mexico: “It was a tough tournament. I think USA and Canada brought more solid teams than they took to Durango. Most of the teams are going through transition so it will be surprise after surprise. The good thing is that the level is more evened. I am very proud of my boys. This is just the beginning and we have to keep working harder and harder.”

Ben Josephson, coach of Canada: “We enjoyed this tournament a lot watching great teams playing with different techniques. We had a good time. Early in the competition Mexico had not reached its level and they proved that it is not the way you start but how you finish.”