Long Beach State University Athletics
Ensing, Tuaniga Win Gold at NORCECA U-21 Continental Championship
7/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Volleyball
LONG BEACH - Long Beach State men's volleyball's Kyle Ensing and Josh Tuaniga helped the U.S. Men's Junior National Team win the 2016 NORCECA U-21 Continental Championship in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. The victory qualifies the United States for the 2017 FIVB U-21 World Championships.
The MJNT finished the tournament with a 4-0 record and dropped only one set after defeating Cuba, 25-17, 29-27, 19-25, 25-22, in the gold medal match on Sunday, July 10. Tuaniga was named the tournament's MVP and Best Setter, while Ensing recorded a team-high 20 points (15 kills, 4 blocks, 1 ace) in the championship match against Cuba. Ensing also started every match at opposite.
"This is awesome, being able to fight with this team, go through it all and see that each guy wants it just as much if not more," Tuaniga said after the title match. "Just to see the fire in our team, that's what makes it all worth it. We've seen how much we love this game."
Both Ensing and Tuaniga are upcoming sophomores at Long Beach State. As freshmen, they helped the Beach advance to the NCAA semifinals.
NORCECA U-21 CONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Schedule/Results
July 5 (Group A): USA def. Barbados, 25-15, 25-15, 25-16
July 7 (Group A): USA def. St. Vincent, 25-11, 25-12, 25-10
July 9 (Semifinals): USA def. Canada, 25-9, 26-24, 25-21
July 10 (Finals): USA def. Cuba, 25-17, 29-27, 19-25, 25-22
