Cuba
Cuba clinched the 2019 Pan-American Cup, that was held Colima, Mexico, after beating defending champions Argentina in an intense final by a 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 15-9). The game at the Auditorio Multifuncional de Colima lasted for 2 hours and 24 minutes and was a repeat of a pool stage encounter in which the Caribbean side prevailed with the same scoreline.
In the final, Cuba was driven by the tournament MVP Miguel Ángel López, who scored game-high 22 points. The middle blocker Roamy Alonso and setter Liván Taboada made their huge contribution to winning the gold medal by making 5 kill blocks apiece (Cuba made 20 as a team). As for Argentina, Nicolás Lazo scored 16 points.
This was the third gold medal match in the Pan Am Cup for Cuba and they lifted the trophy in all three occasions (2014, 2016, and 2019). Argentina played their fifth gold medal match in a row, seventh overall. Both Cuba and Argentina have qualified for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru (August 2-11) via last year’s Pan Am Cup.
The hosts Mexico claimed the bronze medal after downing Chile in straight sets, partially 25-17, 25-20, 26-24.
Individual awards:
MVP – Miguel Ángel López (CUB)
1st Best Outside Hitter – Álvaro Hidalgo (PER)
2nd Best Outside Hitter – Nicolás Bruno (ARG)
1st Best Middle Blocker – Daniel Urueña (PER)
2nd Best Middle Blocker – Roamy Alonso (CUB)
Best Opposite Hitter – Eduardo Romay (PER)
Best Setter – Pedro Rangel (MEX)
Best Libero – Arnel Cabrera (PUR)
