Puerto Rico's libero Luis Ocasio digs to keepthe ball playing during the straight-set victory over Nicaragua on Thursday

Tijuana, Mexico, July 5, 2012 – United States and Puerto Rico joined Cuba and Mexico on Thursday to complete the semifinalists of the NORCECA Boys' U19 Continental Championship.

The United States booked a semifinal berth against Cuba after winning over Costa Rica 3-0 (25- 13, 25-13, 25-16) in the quarterfinals. Puerto Rico advanced to a semifinal clash with Mexico following a 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-14) win over Nicaragua.

The top two ranked teams, besides hosts Mexico, at the conclusion of eight-team competition will be granted tickets to next year’s FIVB Volleyball Boys' Youth World Championship to be held in Tijuana and Mexicali.

Earl Schultz led USA with 14 points, while David Parker finished with 10 for the winners. Luis Diego Abarca recorded 8 points for Costa Rica.

For USA Captain Christian Bough, “it was about team effort as we recovered from the loss against Mexico and did a good job”.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s Andres Araya stated: “We could not get in to the match, we made many mistakes and they really put pressure with their services.”

Juan Ruiz Goyco collected 17 points while Jose Pagan finished with 10 for Puerto Rico. Nicaragua’s top scorer was Yuriel Duarte with 5.

Puerto Rico’s Captain Luis Garcia remarked: “I think it will be different tomorrow (against Mexico). We have lost our fears during the matches and feel more confident. We improved our counter attack and also in our block”.

“I didn’t really know what happened because we didn’t play the way we have done in other matches,” Douglas Chavez, the captain of Nicaragua, said.

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