Canada and the United States are ready to return to the court after recently completing their campaigns at the Tokyo Olympics. The two countries are set to take part in the 2021 Men’s NORCECA Senior Volleyball Continental Championship, which begins on Wednesday in Durango, Mexico. The competition will reunite the top eight men’s teams of the North, Central American and Caribbean region. The top two teams at the end of the tournament will earn spots at the 2022 FIVB Volleyball World Championship.
Canada and USA ready for NORCECA Men's Championship
Two finalists to qualify for the 2022 FIVB World Championship
Published 06:45, 18 Aug 2021
The Americans, who finished 10th in Tokyo, will field a young lineup at the tournament, featuring just four players with professional experience in their 14-player roster, and ten athletes who currently play in college. Among the most experienced are setter and team captain Josh Tuaniga, opposites Jake Hanes, who played in the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, and Jalen Penrose and libero Kyle Dagostino.
“The 2021 USA Volleyball men’s NORCECA team has several talented young players, many of whom will be stepping on the court for USA for the very first time,” said head coach Andy Read, who will be at the helm during the tournament. “Several players trained in the USA gym prior to the team departing for the Volleyball Nations League, so the level of play in our training has been quite good.”
Outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez is one of Cuba's main players in the tournament
Reigning champions and 16-time winners Cuba are the the most likely to challenge the Americans (nine victories) and Canadians (one) for the continental crown over the next few days. The team led by head coach Yosvany Munoz will feature some well-known faces in international volleyball, most notably outside hitter Miguel Angel Lopez, opposite Jesus Herrera and setter Adrian Goide.
USA and the Cubans are both in Pool A, which also includes the Dominican Republic and Guatemala. Pool B features Canada, hosts Mexico, Puerto Rico and Trinidad & Tobago.
The medal matches are scheduled for Monday, August 23. The tournament will be held at the Auditorio del Pueblo, which will also host the FIVB Volleyball U18 Girls’ World Championship next month.
