Photo courtesy USA Volleyball

The U.S. Men’s A2 Volleyball Team (with its four former Long Beach State players) won its third straight Pan American Cup title on Saturday as it swept Argentina in the gold medal match, 25-23, 25-21, 30-28 on Saturday at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Puerto Rico.

UC Irvine’s Jayson Jablonsky was selected as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, and led the U.S. with 19 points on 15 kills (0.65 attack percentage), three blocks and the United States’ only ace.

Long Beach State alum Robert Tarr added 13 points on 11 kills (0.48 attack percentage) and two blocks.

“It was a tough match but we kept our game plan,” Tarr said. “Argentina is a great team. They kept coming back and never quit. I am just happy for everybody.

“I am really happy for my guys who kept improving with every match of the tournament,” U.S. Men’s A2 Head Coach Rick McLaughlin said. “It was a real battle between two teams with the same characteristics, good setters and two good outside hitters.

The Argentineans praised the play of the United States during the post-match press conference.

“We lost to a team that played better than us,” Coach Alejandro Grossi said. “Their attack was amazing and played great defense stretching us to the limit of our ability.”

Libero Dustin Watten (a Wilson Bruin as well as a 49er) had four digs and 10 faults on 21 attempts. He was also credited with nine excellent receptions and three faults in 17 attempts. Tarr led the U.S. with 18 excellent receptions and two faults in 38 attempts.

Dean Bittner and Tyler Hildebrand played as alternates.

Final Rankings

1- USA

2- Argentina

3- Puerto Rico

4- Brazil

5- Canada

6- Dominican Republic

7- Mexico

8- Colombia

9- Venezuela

From reports by USA Volleyball’s BJ Hoeptner Evans