Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, April 28, 2019 – Mexico claimed the first ticket to the FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship available at the age group's Pan American Cup after defeating host Dominican Republic 3-1 (25-27, 25-21, 25-9, 25-21) on Sunday at the Ricardo Arias Pavilion in Santo Domingo.
The Dominicans will get another shot for the ticket to the World Championship when they meet Chile for the bronze medal on Monday. Mexico will meet the already qualified Cuba for the gold medal. Cuba are qualified for the World Championship following their victory at the 2018 NORCECA Boys’ U19 Continental Championship.
Franky Hernandez was the leading scorer of the Mexican forces with 28 points, followed by Luis David Hernandez and Luis Ramon Lopez each with 14 points.
Fuhit Edouarde topped the Dominican side's scoring with 22 points, including four aces, and Dawilin Mendez added 11 with three blocks and three aces.
Mexico outscored the Dominican Republic in attacks (47-36), blocks (11-6) and aces (11-8). The winners made 28 unforced errors to 31 by the defeated side.
Gabriela Alarcon, coach of Mexico: “The kids were a little anxious because they are so young and were battling with their moves. But after the first set things were more fluid for us. Tomorrow we will battle point by point as every game we play. Cuba is Cuba but we are the champions and our mission is to retain the title.”
Loren Rodriguez, coach of Dominican Republic: “We had a match with a lot of emotions last night. Mexico always has been a tough rival in this category. After winning last night an electrifying game, the kids were somehow too confident. That’s something they will overcome with experience.”