In an electrifying five-set final, Puerto Rico edged out host nation Mexico 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 15-9) to win the 2025 NORCECA Men’s Final Four Championship for the second time.
Despite a strong start from Mexico, the Puerto Rican squad showed resilience and tactical sharpness to rally back. Captain Pedro Molina led with 17 points, including five service aces, and earned both the tournament MVP and Best Server awards. Outside hitter Pelegrín Vargas added 16 points and was named Best Hitter.
Mexico’s effort was spread across a balanced offense. Alexis Garay and Oziel Aguirre each scored 14 points, with Aguirre later awarded Best Receiver and Best Hitter. Axel Rodríguez dominated at the net with seven blocks, and Mauro Fuentes contributed 13 points.
Puerto Rican coach Alberto J. Torres praised his team’s composure under pressure: “Pedro’s leadership in the fourth set sparked the comeback. Playing in Mexico is tough, but the team stayed focused.”
Mexican coach Carlos Eduardo Schwanke remained optimistic: “This was our first event with the new staff, and while we felt the pressure, the potential is undeniable.”
Final tournament ranking:
- Champion – Puerto Rico
- Runner-up – Mexico
- Third Place – Dominican Republic
- Fourth Place – Guatemala
Other standout players included Dominican setter Luke Ramírez and Guatemala’s Josué González (Best Libero and Defender) and Andy Leonardo (Best Scorer and Opposite).
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