Team USA Sweeps Costa Rica, Sets Up Semis Battle With Canada

2017 NORCECA MEN’S WORLD QUALIFIER

• September 26-October 1
• Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Schedule/Results
• Live Scoring
• Watch Live
• Day 1 Recap
• Day 2 Recap
• Day 3 Recap

The semifinals are now set for the 2017 NORCECA Men’s World Qualifier with Mexico taking on the Dominican Republic while Team USA will go up against Canada. The United States and Canada are the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the NORCECA federation, respectively, with their match being a highly anticipated showdown.

Just three teams in the tournament remain unbeaten – Mexico, Canada and Team USA. The remaining teams will move on to the classification matches whether for 5-8 or to determine 9th and 10th place.

Quarterfinals

• Dominican Republic def. Trinidad and Tobago 3-0, (25-18, 25-22, 25-21)

The Dominican Republic bounced back from their loss against Team USA in pool play to down Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets. Now they will face off against Mexico in the semifinals on Saturday evening, while Trinidad and Tobago move to the 5-7 classification match spectrum.

The Dominican crew led in attacks (44-34), blocks (6-5) and aces (4-0). This was the true test of the matches held on day four of the event, with the sets all being close until the Dominican side put the match away.

For the Dominican Republic, Pedro Garcia led the field with 18 points on 17 kills and one block while Jose Caceres added another 12 points including three blocks. For Trinidad and Tobago, Marc Honore posted nine points on six kills and three blocks.

• USA def. Costa Rica 3-0, (25-11, 25-7, 25-8)

The United States rolled through Costa Rica with no difficulties, keeping their opponents to a low 26 points scored for the night. The win moves them on to the semifinals where a tough battle against Canada awaits. Team USA led the Costa Ricans in kills (39-7), blocks (9-1) and aces (10-0).

Aaron Russell led all scorers in the match with 12 points on eight kills and four blocks while Ben Patch made his first showing at the tournament with 11 points on a match-best 10 kills.

“Their energy was great and some of those guys hadn’t seen the court yet this tournament. It was a good opportunity for them to and they deserve it,” said head coach John Speraw.

Costa Rica was led by Alberto Blanco who posted six points on five kills and one block.

Classification Matches

• Martinique def. St. Vincent 3-0, (25-16, 25-18, 25-16)

Martinique picked up their second victory of the tournament over St. Vincent in straight sets to move on to the 5-8 classification round. While being one of the more difficult matches of the day, Martinique was still able to down their opponents easily in each set.

The team was led by Joann Breleur with 17 points on an impressive eight aces while Rodrigue Larcher posted another 11 points in the win. For St. Vincent, Asmond Franklyn put down 14 points.

• Guatemala def. St. Lucia 3-0, (25-17, 25-15, 25-16)

Guatemala found their footing at the tournament finally with a win over St. Lucia in three sets. The win now advances the Guatemalan team to the 5-8 classification round.

In the match, Guatemala held a 9-1 block advantage and 5-2 in aces over St. Lucia. Andy Leonardo Blanco led the fight with 19 points and Wagner Chacon added another 11 points in the win. For St. Lucia, Joseph Clercent posted a team-best 12 points and Anfernee Ferdinand added another six.