PlayersTwo Matadors Players Reach the Podium at the 2021 NORCECA Championship

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.

The Matadors had two previous players taking podium finishes at the event! Middle blocker Ismael Alomar won gold with Team Puerto Rico, and outside hitter Mauro Isaac took third with Team Mexico. Both players have made huge impacts with the Matadors in the NVA and now have some international championship experience to bring back to the team next season.

The Matadors will have some added experience in high-pressure situations if they can secure Isaac and Alomar again for 2022. Their involvement will be critical if the team wants to make it farther in NVA Playoffs next year.

Be sure to give Ismael (@ismael.alomar_), Mauro (@mauroisaac22), and the IE Matadors (@matadorsnvausa) a follow-on Instagram to stay updated with where they go next. Also, if you haven’t watched them already, follow the links below to watch the final matches of the 2021 NORCECA Championship. You will also find a link to watch one of Isaac’s vlogs capturing a day in the life of training with the Mexican National Team!

NORCECA Main Website

https://www.norceca.net/

Championship Final: Puerto Rico vs Canada

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJ9X9g1UYJI

Bronze Match: Mexico vs Cuba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pES5GksbBxE

UN DÍA CON LA PRESELECCIÓN MEXICANA DE VOLEIBOL (Mauro Isaac Vlog)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znrKLavJur4

“Volley On With the NVA!”

– NVA Staff Writer