Argentina's Gonzalo Lapera (5) scored 21 points to lead the victory over hosts Canada on Saturday night

Langley, Canada, September 29, 2012 – Brazil and Argentina are set to battle for the glory at the inaugural U-23 Men’s Pan American Cup at Langley Events Centre on Sunday.

Argentina (3-1) arrived into the gold medal match of the event by defeating hosts Canada in straight-sets while Brazil outclassed Mexico to finish the preliminary round with an unblemished record in four outings.

In the other match of Sunday, Canada (2-2) entertains Dominican Republic (1-3) in a contest for the bronze medal. Mexico finished in fifth place winless at 0-4.

The U-23 Pan American Cup is a new competition created jointly by the NORCECA and the South American Volleyball Confederations to provide an additional competitive opportunity for developing national team players who may be on the cusp of making their first appearances with their respective country’s senior level national teams.

Argentina 3, Canada 0

Argentina became the second finalist by defeating Canada 26-24, 25-15, 25-23. Gonzalo Lapera scored 21 and Luciano Zorneta had 10 (with three blocks) for the winners, while Bradley Kufske finished with 16 and Nick del Bianco had 11 for Canada.

“The first set was complicated, with a lot of points,” Argentina’s Captain Gonzalo Quiroga said. “In the third we had the chance to increase our level, with good reception and the rotation of the attack. I am happy for the win, and also to know that we will face Brazil, in some kind of revenge for us.”

Brazil 3, Mexico 0

Brazil advanced with a perfect 4-0 record to the gold medal match by defeating Mexico in straight sets (25-16, 25-16, 25-13).Brazil’s Joao Ferreira finished with 13 points followed closely by Carlos Eduardo Barreto with 12. Kock Eder registered five blocks. Mexico’s Mauricio Lopez tallied 11 points.

“We played a good match tonight. We had a good serve. Even though Mexico is a younger team I am sure they have a lot to go further in their world championship category,” Brazilian captain Thiago Veloso stated.

Top Scorers by Day
24 – Luis Adames of Dominican Republic v Argentina 25-9-12
21 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Mexico 26-9-12
18 – Pedro Luis García of Dominican Republic v Canada 27-9-12
18 – Daniel Jansen Van Doorn of Canada v Brazil 28-9-12
21 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Canada 29-9-12

Top Scoring Performances
24 – Luis Adames of Dominican Republic v Argentina 25-9-12
21 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Mexico 26-9-12
21 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Canada 29-9-12
20 – Gonzalo Lapera of Argentina v Dominican Republic 25-9-12
20 – Bradley Kufske of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12

Top Blocking Performances
9 – Daniel Jansen Van Doorn of Canada v Brazil 28-9-12
6 – Daniel Jansen Van Doorn of Canada v Dominican Republic 27-9-12
5 – Flavio Gualberto of Brazil v Canada 28-9-12
5 – Eder Kock of Brazil v Mexico 29-9-12

Top Service Ace Performances
3 – Nick del Bianco of Canada v Mexico 25-9-12
2 – Several players

Highest Set Scores
31-29 Brazil v Mexico (2nd Set) 27-9-12
27-25 Canada v Dominican Republic (2nd Set) 27-9-12
27-25 Canada v Dominican Republic (3rd Set) 27-9-12
26-24 Mexico v Canada (2nd Set) 25-9-12
26-24 Canada v Brazil (4th Set) 28-9-12
26-24 Argentina v Canada (1st Set) 29-9-12

Highest Scoring Matches
210 – Brazil v Canada (25-19, 25-15, 21-25, 24-26, 16-14) 28-9-12
204 – Canada v Mexico (20-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-13, 15-13) 25-9-12

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