The Cuban players celebrate after securing a ticket to next year's FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship
Havana, Cuba, June 28, 2016 – History repeats itself as defending champions United States and runner-ups Cuba prepare to meet again for the gold medal at the NORCECA U19 Boys’ Volleyball Continental Championship on Wednesday night at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum in Havana.
The two finalists, who have both secured tickets to next year’s FIVB Volleyball Boys' U19 World Championship, will play for the continental title for the second edition in a row and for the third time in the past four biennial competitions.
In Tuesday’s semifinals, the United States survived a tough five-set battle with Mexico while Cuba swept Nicaragua in straight sets.
The United States were crowned at home in 2014 while Cuba finished atop of the standings in 2010 in Mexico.
In Wednesday’s action, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica will play for fifth place and Antigua will face Costa Rica for the seventh position. Mexico and Nicaragua are set to meet for the bronze medal.
United States v Mexico 3-2United States needed five sets to overcome Mexico 3-2 (17-25, 25-18, 25-23, 23-25, 17-15). The American offensive was led by Brandon Browning, Jaylen Jasper and Joel Schneidmiller, who finished with 17 points apiece, while Samuel Lewis had 11. However Mexico’s Ray Stephens (19) was the best scorer of the match, followed by Jesús Valenzuela (16) and Miguel Sarabia (13).
Cuba v Nicaragua 3-0Cuba dominated Nicaragua 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-14) in their semifinal match. José Carlos Romero (13) and Christian Rojas (12) led the Cuban offense, but the best scorer of the match was Jonny Zeledón (15) supported by his team mate Byron Hernández (11).
Jamaica v Costa Rica 3-0Jamaica defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-17, 28-26, 27-25) and will play for fifth place. Once again, opposite hitter Jovan Thomas led Jamaica as the match's best scorer (15), followed by Javarie James (13), Shavar James (11) and Andrew Jones (10). On the Costa Rica side, outside hitters Manrique Carazo (13) and José Andrés Ortiz (11) scored in double digits.
Dominican Republic v Antigua 3-0The Dominican Republic swept Antigua and Barbuda 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-16) and will take on Jamaica in the game for fifth place. Bayron Valdéz, outside hitter, led the Dominican offensive (24) again in a match where attack was the main weapon for the winners (30-13).