NORCECA Junior Continental Championship 2010: USA joined Canada in the final match
The U.S. volleyball players of both genders are making shocking waves. The women’s team achieved big break-through at FIVB Grand Prix 2010 Championship in China and qualified for the final match while the men’s team at NORCECA Junior Continental Championship defeated Puerto Rico in the semi-final and joined Canada in the final showdown.
The biennial event of men’s volleyball held in the Canadian city Quebec. The fury of volleyball ran from 16-21 August 2010 and produced a lot of eye-catching performances. It put smiles on winners’ faces while some regretted their defeat included defending champion Cuba. Canada clashed with Cuba in the semi-final where victory was claimed by host Canada after an exhausting battle.
Likewise, the other semi-final was played between the teams from United States and Puerto Rico on Friday, 20th August 2010. The courts of Centre Sportif de Gatineau banged with a brilliant play of volleyball by two teams.
The young-guns of U.S. volleyball team came into the game with solid impact. The first set of the game started off with perfect serves from the U.S. players. The opening moderate tone turned into an aggressive play when both teams hit some solid spikes. The game advanced and USA produced the tricky shots, which helped them lead the score. Puerto Rico was not easy to handle as they had quick hitters and strong blockers. Somehow, the U.S. team focused on hitting the ball in ideal direction which scored points for them.
In the first set, U.S. posted 25-15 win over Puerto Rico and entered the second set with a boosted morale. The second set was a close fight as Puerto Rico was not ready to accept the loss of one set. There were hardly any reception-errors in the second set and both teams attacked each other. The game was tied at certain points but finally USA got advantage and ended the game by sending 25-23 win.
Two set’s victory was enough to convey a message to Puerto Rico’s team to roll back. The Americans came with a more heavy strike in the third round and dismissed the opponents’ side with 25-16 on the points’ block. USA qualified for the gold medal match via 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
The U.S. opposite Maurice Torres dominated the whole scene scoring 16 points via 12 kills, one ace and three influential blocks, which contributed to the overall team victory. Outside hitter Taylor Sander smashed one ace and 10 kills which added 11 valuable points. Moreover, opposite Josh Taylor scored 2 points with one kill and one ace. Middle blockers, Dylan Davis and Eric Mochalski added eight points each. Christenson and Libero Evan Mottram were credited for excellent digs and frequent attack attempts.
On Puerto Rico’s side, Jorge Antonio was the topper as he scored 13 points while Ricardo Archilla followed him by adding seven struggling points. Among other prominent Puerto Rican players were outside hitter Brian Cook and Jeremy Dejno and setter Matt West. They played very well but couldn’t deliver a match winning performance.
The semi-final victory earned U.S. a ticket to the next-year 2011 FIVB World Championship which is scheduled to take place in Brazil. The U.S. secured their slot as the top three teams qualify. USA (4-0) stroke with Canada (4-0) in the final encounter while Puerto Rico clashed with Cuba for third-place in the Junior Continental Volleyball Championship.
The head coach of U.S. Team, John Hawks passed positive remarks about their victory in the semi-final. He was happy about the fact that their game-strategy worked and they were able to dominate Puerto Rico. The head coach emphasized the team to prepare for the kill in final match with Canada.
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