Their first win and keeps them in medal contention

Cuba claimed their first victory at the Norceca Men’s Volleyball 2024 Final Six Men’s Tournament by sweeping Puerto Rico on day two at the Slush Puppie Centre in the Canadian city of Gatineau, Quebec.

Our team won with scores of 25-23, 26-24 and 25-20, in a disputed match in which they led in attack points (38-35) and serves (7-3), and committed fewer errors of their own (17-22), however they were behind in blocking (9-12).

Middle blocker Thiago Suarez was the most productive for the Cubans with 13 points, including nine kills, three «walls» and an ace. Also finishing in double digits were corner Bryan Camino (12), lanky opposite Daniel Martinez (11) and auxiliary attacker Victor Andreu (10).

For the Puerto Ricans, double figures were surpassed by the eventual top scorers of the challenge: Klistan Lawrence (18) and Jamal Ellis (14).

Coach Jesús Cruz told the tournament website that «it was a very important match, yesterday we lost 0-3 against Mexico, in this second match it was extremely important to come out with a victory that would keep us alive and give us the opportunity to fight for a medal at the end of the tournament».

The Antillean team still has games against Canada (Thursday at 7:00 p.m.), the Dominican Republic and the United States to play.

For their part, the Puerto Ricans have yet to achieve any success, as on Tuesday they opened with a 3-0 loss to Canada and will now face the undefeated United States, who defeated the Dominicans (3-1) and Mexicans (3-2).