This week’s biggest news in volleyball came from the historic conclusion of the 2021 North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) Championship. There the Puerto Rican Men’s National Team took home their first NORCECA title. The team’s first gold medal has also given them an automatic bid into Russia’s 2022 FIVB World Championships.
The event also saw a momentous run from the Mexican national team taking home their third bronze medal, showing the program’s growth. The Canadian men took home second, losing to Puerto Rico, and the USA took 5th.
BYU Alumni Opposite hitter Gabriel García was the kill leader for the championship match with 11 points, 10 kills, and one ace. While Cal Baptist alumni, Arturo Iglesias, was selected as MVP for his performance as the team’s leading setter. The competing teams also had a great supporting cast of players from the NVA, with LA Blaze, Vegas Ramblers, OC Stunners, IE Matadors, and Southern Exposure being represented.
Southern Exposure saw their very own Kyle D’Agostino making his 6th appearance in an international tournament with Team USA. Since the 2021 NVA Championships in San Bernadino, Kyle has stayed in California, training with the national team in preparation for this event.
This NORCECA Championship team has been a dynamic mix of current alternatives to the USA. Olympic and VNL Teams, along with the top players from the USA. Collegiate Team. Led by captain Joshua Tuaniga, the event allowed veteran players such as Da’gostino, Tuaniga, and Jake Hanes to learn what it is like as the leaders of a national team. The shared experiences of this roster will be vital as the US looks to develop the future of USA Volleyball.
Moving forward, the USA still has Eric Shoji and Dustin Watten securing the starting libero position for the senior team. Still, Kyle Dagostino is right there as the next alternative. Along with Stunner’s Josh Ayzenberg and LBSU’s Mason Briggs in the wings, the future is bright for the United States defensive power for years to come.
NORCECA Championships: USA vs Guatamala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wERYMflLoJc
NORCECA Main Website
“Volley On With the NVA!”
– NVA Staff Writer