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UCLA outside attacker Zach Rama and Ohio State opposite Shane Wetzel left no doubt that the United States would qualify for the semifinals.
Rama and Wetzel each had a match-high 10 kills and more than a .400 attack percentage as the United States swept Chile 25-18, 25-23, 25-17 on Thursday in Cuba to clinch a bye to the semifinals of the U21 Pan American Cup.
The United States with this victory finished group-play undefeated and atop Group A to earn the bye.
UCLA setter Andrew Rowan guided the U.S. offense to out-hit Chile .402 to .200. This also was the second time in three group-play matches that the United States had at least a .400 attack percentage.
The United States in the victory had 10 aces – six more aces than Chile. Seven U.S. players had at least one ace with Rama having a match-high three aces and Wetzel adding two aces.
The United States will play Cuba in the semifinals on Friday with the winner advancing to the gold-medal match.
Cuba swept Chile in its quarterfinals match on Friday. In addition, the host nation Cuba went 2-1 in group-play with victories against Haiti and Nicaragua.