Cuba's under-17 volleyball team finished as runner-up in the Pan American Championship after losing the final to Puerto Rico. Both teams secured spots for the World Championship in Doha, Qatar. The event took place in Managua with eight participating teams.
Cuba's under-17 volleyball team faced a tough final against Puerto Rico, the defending champion now securing its second straight title. The match, held in Managua, Nicaragua, highlighted high-level play between the two Caribbean squads.
In the first set, Cuba lost 25-23 in a close battle. The second set saw the Cubans take an early lead with three- and four-point advantages, but they couldn't hold on, falling 25-22 to Puerto Rico's offense led by Yan Carlos Cruz.
Cuba capitalized on intermittent superiority in the third set, with Víctor Contreras spearheading the attack, to win 25-18. This boosted hopes for the fourth set, where Puerto Rico led 16-11 at the second technical timeout.
A Cuban comeback tied it at 17-17 and pushed to 21-19, aided by improved serving, blocking, and game organization. Reception and passing issues in the closing stretch allowed Puerto Rico to surge with six points to one, winning 25-22 and the match.
Both teams had ups and downs, but the Puerto Ricans managed their adrenaline better in crucial moments. Cuba qualifies again for the under-17 World Championship in Doha, Qatar.