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There was no letdown for the United States following its opening win at the U19 Pan American Cup – especially from outside attacker Victor Loiola.
Loiola finished with a match-high 13 kills on a .500 attack percentage as the United States swept Costa Rica 25-20, 25-17, 25-15 in group-play on Tuesday in Guatemala.
The high schooler from Southern California after not playing in the tournament opening sweep against Chile was inserted into the U.S. starting lineup. Loiola was among several new starters as the United States out-hit Costa Rica .333 to .041.
Along with Loiola, outside attacker Quinn Bishop contributed nine kills and led all players with two aces. Outside attacker Jameson Vaccaro and middle attacker Reed Wainwright each had four kills and hit more than .400.
The United States out-blocked Costa Rica 10 to 4 with Vaccaro having a match-high four blocks. Both setter Caleb Blanchette and middle attacker Caiden Carreira also added two blocks.
Libero Kellen Larson in the victory led all players with nine digs.
This was the second consecutive match to open the Pan American Cup that the United States held its opponent to less than a .100 attack percentage.
Costa Rica middle attacker David Cordoba finished with a team-high three blocks and added five kills. Cordoba was one of two Costa Rica players to at least five kills, but neither of those players hit more than .100.
The United States with this victory moves into sole possession of first place in Group B and will play Mexico in a de facto group championship match to close out group-play on Wednesday. The winner of this match will clinch a bye to the semifinals and secure a berth to the 2023 FIVB U19 World Championship.
The four teams that make the semifinals will earn berths to the upcoming U19 World Championship.