Short review of classification matches of U-21 Pan Am Men’s Volleyball Cup
The Under-21 Pan American Men’s Volleyball cup completed its length from June 22-27 in the beautiful capital of Panama. A total of 8 teams participated in the tournament and staged wonderful performances. The Pan Am Cup reached its final stage on Monday,
June 27. The final day of the tournament featured medal matches and finals for other top-positions. At the end of the day, the ranking of the team took up final shape.
Venezuela Canada Chile Puerto Rico Mexico Dominican Republic Panama Honduras
In the classification matches, Chile and Puerto Rico contested their game skills for the 3rd position. The former displayed better game and got hold of the third slot. Likewise, a cracking fight was staged between Mexico and Dominican Republic for 5th position.
Mexicans overpowered opponents and finished fifth. The home team of Panama put up against Honduras and saved themselves from the 8th position finish.
Chile vs. Puerto Rico 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 25-22, and 25-19)
Chie initially targeted to play in the gold-medal match but Canada detracted them in the semi-final and brushed them aside. Infuriated Chilean squad came face-to-face with Puerto Rico in the bronze-medal match. Both teams had lost their semi-finals and seemed
fully prepared to grab the bronze.
The opening set of the match was real point-to-point fight between two sides. Chile had the advantage of solid defence but Puerto Rican spikers managed to steal points from opponents. After taking many ups and downs, Chile claimed opening set with a difference
of two points. Puerto Ricans continued with their efforts and captured second set of the game.
Team Chile bounced back in third set and pulled off success. Their attack and defence was better, which helped them to extend their lead to 2-1. Puerto Rico fought like a hungry wolf in fourth set as it was ‘do or die’ situation for them. Nevertheless, Chile
showed no mercy and posted 25-19 on board. Chile won the crucial match and earned the reputation of bronze medallist.
Mexico vs. Dominican Republic 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, and 15-8)
The match between Mexico and Dominican Republic was sort of interesting drama. The early phase of the game portrayed a different picture but final digits on the scoreboard showed surprising results. Dominican Republic started out really well. They served
well and put pressure on Mexicans with powerful pushes. Despite of putting great effort, Mexico dropped the opening set.
The second set of the game also came successful for Dominicans. They used full advantage of the first-set win and managed to crush rivals with another blow in second set. Mexico dropped two sets in a row and apparently was dragged under the clouds of uncertainty.
However, Mexicans made a great come-back in following sets. Mexico came strong on Dominican Republic and totally wrecked their defence line. They won last three sets and declared match victory.
Panama vs. Honduras 3-1 (22-25, 25-19, 27-25, and 25-21)
The home team of Panama was challenged by Honduras in the match for 7thposition. The stupendous support of home crowd and familiar conditions helped the home squad to hold off Honduras for victory. Panama dropped only one set of the match and finished the
game in four sets. Panama hosted the tournament and obviously a better act was expected from them. Anyhow, the team couldn't profit the advantage of home court in early matches and lost most of them. Eventually, they had to be content with the 7th position
in ranking.
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