Cuban players celebrate after their stunning comeback victory
Mexico City, Mexico, May 27, 2016 – Cuba pulled off a dramatic comeback victory in five sets over Argentina to claim the gold medal of the Men’s Pan American Cup at Juan de la Barrera Gymnasium on Thursday.
After losing the first two sets, Cuba climbed back to win 3-2 (30-32, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 19-17) in 2 hours and 11 minutes.
It is the second title for Cuba in the history of the event while Argentina had to settle for their fourth silver medal.
Abraham Alfonso, named the Most Valuable Player, had 28 points to lead the winners’ attack. Argentina’s Bruno Lima had a match-high 29 points in the losing effort.
In the match for the bronze medal, Canada defeated hosts Mexico 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 29-27) with Ryley Barnes and Stephen Maar topping the attack with 16 points apiece. Jorge Barajas, who finished as the leading scorer of the event, had 14 for Mexico.
Also, United States defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-14) for fifth place.
USA’s Carson Clark and Henry Tapia of Dominican Republic were the top scorers each with 10 points.
Final Positions
1. Cuba
2. Argentina
3. Canada
4. Mexico
5. United States
6. Dominican Republic
7. Chile
8. Colombia
9. Costa Rica
10. Honduras
Individual Awards
Most Valuable Player: Abraham Alfonso, CUB
Best Setter: Matias Sanchez, ARG
First Outside Hitter: Jorge Barajas, MEX
Second Outside Hitter: Vicente Paraguirre, CHI
First Middle Blocker: Fabian Flores, ARG
Second Middle Blocker: Luis Sosa, CUB
Best Opposite: Henry Tapia, DOM
Best Libero: Santiago Danani, ARG
Best Scorer: Jorge Barajas, MEX
Best Receiver: Santiago Danani, ARG
Best Digger: Santiago Danani, ARG