PR falls to Mexico in 3 sets, finishes 6th at NORCECA Continental Championship
By THE STAR STAFF
Puerto Rico concluded its run at the Men’s NORCECA Continental Championship with a competitive performance in the first two sets, but Mexico ultimately claimed a 3-0 victory (26-24, 33-31, 25-16) in Wednesday’s match for fifth place at the Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
The result secured the final available spot for Mexico in the NORCECA Olympic Qualifier final phase for Los Angeles 2028. Puerto Rico placed sixth in the eight-team tournament.
Puerto Rico jumped out to a 7-3 lead in the first set, and remained competitive through a series of back-and-forth rallies that eventually saw the score tied at 24-24. However, Mexico closed out the set with an attack by Diego González and a block by Juan García.
The second set was even more hard-fought. Mexico held two set points at 24-22, but Puerto Rico responded, extending the set through multiple rallies. Finally, with Mexico up 32-31, García connected on the attack that sealed the win.
In the third set, Mexico pulled ahead early and didn’t look back.
Mexico held a modest advantage in attacks (49-44), blocks (10-6), and service points (3-2). Puerto Rico capitalized on 19 opponent errors, while Mexico capitalized on 22.
Mauro Fuentes led Mexico with 16 points, followed by Franky Milantony with 14. González and Axel Rodríguez added 12 points each, with five of Rodríguez’s coming on blocks to lead all players.
Pelegrín Vargas once again led the Puerto Rican offense and was the match’s top scorer with 18 points.
Mexico’s González was named the competition’s best opposite and best scorer with a tournament-high 80 points (68 kills, seven blocks and five aces).
Arnel Cabrera of Puerto Rico was named best receiver.
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