2013 Pan American Cup U.S. MEN FALL TO MEXICO IN POOL PLAY FINALE USA....................................... 25 25 19 22 15 Mexico................................... 21 23 25 25 17
MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Aug. 21, 2013) – The U.S. Men’s Volleyball Team fell to host Mexico, 21-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22, 17-15, on Wednesday at the Pan American Cup in Mexico City. With the loss, the United States (2-1) finished second in Pool B and will have to play in the quarterfinals on Thursday against Puerto Rico. The quarterfinal winner will advance to the semifinals to play either Mexico (3-0) or Brazil (3-0).
Russ Lavaja attacks against Trinidad & Tobago on Aug. 20. (NORCECA Photo)
“It was a very fun and amazing match,” U.S. Head Coach Shawn Patchell said. “I can’t say we lost. Mexico defeated us.” The U.S. led in blocks (20-7) and aces (7-2) while Mexico led in kills (64-58) and also took advantage of 34 U.S. team errors while committing 25. “We faced a very hostile crowd,” U.S. Team Captain Ryan Ammerman said. “There are some things to improve but I have one hundred percent faith in my teammates.” Outside hitter Taylor Sander led all scorers with 23 points on 17 spikes, three blocks and three aces. Coming out of pool play, Sander leads all Pan Am Cup players in scoring with 42 points on 32 kills, six blocks and four aces. Outside hitter Joe Sunder added 20 points on a match-high 20 attacks. Middle blocker Dan McDonnell scored 14 points, including a match-high seven blocks. Opposite Will Price scored 10 points, including a match-high four aces.
Joe Sunder spikes against Trinidad & Tobago on Aug. 20.. (NORCECA Photo)
Ammerman scored seven points, including three aces. Among other U.S. scorers, Jacek Ratajczak added seven points, opposite Shawn Sangrey totaled three points and Josh Taylor scored one. Libero Michael Brinkley was credited with five digs and 15 excellent receptions. Ammerman was credited with 23 running sets. Patchell started Sander and Sunder at outside hitter, McDonnell and Ratajczak at middle blocker, Price at opposite, Ammerman at setter and Brinkley at libero. Sangrey, Taylor and Connor Olbright played as substitutes.
Russ Lavaja spikes against Trinidad & Tobagp on Aug. 20. (NORCECA Photo)
Will Price spikes against Trinidad & Tobagp on Aug. 20. (NORCECA Photo)
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