Volleyball Pan American Cup

Mexico wins the gold medal

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 8, 2007.- Mexico won the gold medal of the Men’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by scoring a four-set victory over Puerto Rico 26-24, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20 on Friday night.

The Mexicans, who finished in second place of Pool A during the preliminary phase, defeated Panama in the quarterfinals, and then beat Cuba in semi finals. Their only loss was against the Puerto Ricans in their opening match.

Both Mexico and Puerto Rico were already qualified to the Americas Cup next year in Brazil.

Once again, Mexico showed great blocking ability and combined powerful attacks with subtle touches against a Puerto Rican squad who battled with tenacity.

Jose Martell and Gustavo Meyer led Mexico with 22 and 20 points and Irving Bricio added 10. Victor Bird had 20 for Puerto Rico and Roberto Muniz, Enrique Escalante and Juan Figueroa added 17, 13 and 11 respectively.

“We had some problems with our concentration in the third set but then we put things together after the first technical time-out of the fourth set,” said Carlos Novoa, the Mexican coach. “We came here looking to qualify for the Americas Cup and now we go back to Mexico with the gold medal. You can not ask for more.”