Wednesday, 4 Dec 2024

U.S. Men Face Rematch with Cuba in NORCECA Final

The U.S. Men’s National Team is gearing up for an exciting rematch with Cuba after defeating Mexico in a thrilling semifinal match at the NORCECA Continental Championship in Winnipeg. The United States, with a flawless 4-0 record, is prepared to take on Cuba (4-1) once again.

The initial encounter between the United States and Cuba in the pool play ended with a convincing victory for the U.S. Men’s National Team. However, Cuba showed resilience by defeating Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals and Canada in the semifinals, setting the stage for an intense final showdown.

The rematch between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Cuba will take place on Saturday at 2 p.m. PT, with live coverage available on FloVolleyball.tv. Despite their previous success against Cuba, U.S. Head Coach John Hawks remains cautious and emphasizes that they do not underestimate their opponents.

In their semifinal match against Mexico, the U.S. team displayed exceptional serving skills, leading in aces with a remarkable 7-1 advantage. Outside hitter T.J. DeFalco emerged as a star performer, leading the team in aces and scoring an impressive 15 points. Brenden Sander, another standout outside hitter, contributed 14 points, including 13 kills.

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Setter Micah Ma’a played a crucial role, making impactful plays throughout the match. He showcased his versatility with the team’s sole block and a crucial ace for the final point. Alongside Joe Worsley, who took over in the second and third sets, Ma’a guided the U.S. team to an impressive .417 hitting efficiency, surpassing Mexico’s .286.

During the match, Coach Hawks strategically introduced several substitutes in the second set, ensuring valuable playing time for his players. This decision showcased the depth and talent of the team while recognizing the efforts of each player. Kyle Russell replaced Kyle Ensing as the opposite, George Huhmann and Tommy Carmody substituted for Jeff Jendryk and Mitch Stahl as middle blockers, and Cody Kessel stepped in for Brenden Sander as an outside hitter. Additionally, liberos Kyle Dagostino and Gage Worsley were platooned to maximize their contributions.

Ma’a acknowledged Mexico’s spirited comeback attempt in the third set, highlighting their determination and competitiveness. He credited Mexico’s culture, coaching staff, and players for their resilience.

U.S. Starters vs. Mexico:

  • Outside hitters: T.J. DeFalco and Brenden Sander
  • Middle blockers: Jeff Jendryk and Mitch Stahl
  • Opposite: Kyle Ensing
  • Setter: Micah Ma’a
  • Libero: Kyle Dagostino

Substitutes:

  • Joe Worsley (Setter)
  • Tommy Carmody (Middle Blocker)
  • Cody Kessel (Outside Hitter)
  • George Huhmann (Middle Blocker)
  • Gage Worsley (Libero)

U.S. Statistics vs. Mexico:

  • Kills: Sander 13, DeFalco 12, Jendryk 5, Ensing 4, Russell 3, Huhmann 3, Stahl 2, Ma’a 2, Kessel 1
  • Blocks: Ma’a 1
  • Aces: DeFalco 3, Ma’a 1, Stahl 1, J. Worsley 1, Sander 1
  • Digs: Dagostino 4, Ensing 3, DeFalco 3, J. Worsley 2, Russell 1
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FAQs

Q: When is the rematch between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Cuba?
A: The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Cuba in the NORCECA Final on Saturday at 2 p.m. PT.

Q: Where can I watch the match between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Cuba?
A: The match will be broadcasted live on FloVolleyball.tv, providing viewers with an opportunity to witness the thrilling rematch.

Q: How did the U.S. Men’s National Team perform against Mexico in the semifinals?
A: The U.S. team showcased exceptional serving skills, leading in aces with a score of 7-1. Outside hitter T.J. DeFalco stood out with three aces and 15 points overall.

Summary

The U.S. Men’s National Team is preparing to face Cuba once again in the NORCECA Final after defeating Mexico in the semifinals. With a flawless record of 4-0, the U.S. team is eager to maintain their momentum and secure a victory against Cuba. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. PT and will be broadcasted live on FloVolleyball.tv. The U.S. team remains cautious, fully aware of the challenges posed by Cuba’s resilience and determination. In the semifinals against Mexico, the U.S. team displayed exceptional serving skills, with T.J. DeFalco leading the way with three aces and 15 points overall. Setter Micah Ma’a played a vital role, showcasing his versatility and contributing to the team’s success. The U.S. Men’s National Team is determined to give their best performance and emerge victorious in the much-anticipated final clash with Cuba. Don’t miss out on the excitement!

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