Nothing came easily for the United States to keep its gold medal hopes alive.
The United States rallied from a 13-12 deficit in the decisive fifth game as it defeated Mexico 22-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13 in the NORCECA Final Six semifinals on Saturday in Puerto Rico.
Hawai’i opposite Kainoa Wade jumpstarted the comeback and 3-0 run to close out the match with a kill to tie the game. UCLA middle attacker Cameron Thorne also had a block on a following rally to set up the match-point to help the United States secure the victory and a spot in the gold-medal match.
Wade finished with a team-high 13 kills against Mexico. In addition, the sophomore led all players with five aces highlighted with an ace early in the fifth game.
Wade was one of three U.S. players to have double-digit kills in the team’s fifth consecutive win at the tournament.
UC San Diego outside attacker Sebastiano Sani added 10 kills, including the game-winning kill in the fourth game that prevented the game from going into overtime. Ball State outside attacker Patrick Rogers contributed 10 kills.
Mexico in the loss out-hit the United States .252 to .203 but was limited to a .167 attack percentage in the final two games.
Thorne had two blocks in the last two games and ended with a team-high three blocks. Wade also had two blocks in the final two games.
Mexican opposite Ridl Alexis Garay led all players with 18 kills on .351 attack percentage, while outside attacker Yasutaka Sanay had 16 kills.
The United States with this victory will advance to play the winner of the other semifinal match between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
The United States defeated both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic earlier this week in pool-play.