Township of Langley, BC – The semi-final match ups are set for Friday night (September 27) as Canada will face Cuba at 8pm for a berth in the final. The USA will take on Puerto Rico in the other semi-final which goes at 6pm.
Puerto Rico had a surprisingly easy time with their quarter final match as they moved on to the semis with a 3-0 victory over Mexico. For Cuba it was a different story as they went the distance with the Dominican Republic winning their quarter final match 3-2 in a game that was close from start to finish. It would have been the biggest upset of the tournament had the Dominican Republic pulled out the win but Cuba was able to finish in strong form.
Canada and the USA will be well rested for Friday night’s match as they both enjoyed a day off while awaiting their semi-final match up.
Canada is only two wins away from claiming their first ever gold at the NORCECA Championships and it would be a perfect end to a historic summer. The opening is there for Canada as the Cubans have had their ups and downs in this tournament whereas Canada has been constant and solid from top to bottom.
Canada will be looking to book their ticket to the finals and a shot at history with a win on Friday night against Cuba. Game time is at 8pm at the Langley Events Centre.
For a complete schedule and more details on the tournament visit http://www.langleyeventscentre.com/continentalvolleyball
Due to high demand additional reserved seating has been opened up for the rest of the 2013 NORCECA Men’s Volleyball Continental Championship at the Langley Events Centre. Just go to: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/Norceca-Mens-Volleyball-Continental-Championships-tickets/artist/1865380 to purchase reserved seats right up close to the action!
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CUBA 3-2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-12)
Cuba qualified to the semifinals in five sets victory (25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-12) over Dominican Republic. Both teams played the longest match of the tournament and had a total combined points of 208. Jose Caceres finished as top scorer with 31 points for the Dominican team while Elvis Contreras scored 17 and captain Wilfrido Hernandez 13. For Cuba, Rolando Cepeda tallied 22 and was followed by Lazaro Fundora with 17 and Javier Ernesto Jimenez with 13. Cuba will play against Canada on the semifinals.
PUERTO RICO 3-0 MEXICO (25-17, 25-17, 25-22)
Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinals at the Norceca Men’s Continental Championship after defeating Mexico in straight sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-22). Puerto Rico had a solid performance by Roberto Muñiz and Ezequiel Cruz with 15 and 10 points respectively. For Mexico, Daniel Vargas scored 10, while Tomas Aguilera, Jorge Quinones and Jesus Valdemar Valdes registered 7 apiece. Puerto Rico will match USA on Friday’s semifinal. Mexico will face Dominican Republic in the match for fifth place.
BAHAMAS 3-0 GUATEMALA (25-18, 25-21, 25-23)
Bahamas gave the surprise on the third date of the Norceca Men’s Continental Championship after a three-set win over Guatemala (25-18, 25-21, 25-23). Prince’Tanique Wilson scored 14 points (2 ases) for Bahamas, followed by Renaldo Knowles with 13 and Byron Ferguson with 11. Andy Alexis Leonardo Blanco closed with 12 for Guatemala.
