Argentina defeats Mexico in three sets

HAVANA, Cuba, March 18, 2015 – Argentina defeated Mexico in straight sets (25-11, 25-18, 25-18) for their first victory at the III Girls’ U18 Pan American Cup on Wednesday.

The Argentineans erased a 4-9 difference in the third set of the match to improve their win-loss record at 1-1 while the Mexicans dropped to 0-2 in Pool A.

Anahi Tosi, the only player to finish the match with double digits in the scores, had 12 points, followed by Maria Corbalan and Fiamma Biain with 9 and 8 points, respectively. Karla Mireles had eight points for the defeated side.

Mauro Silvestre, the South American coach, was full of joy about the performance of his pupils “as we want to get the most of this event and it would be helpful on the way to the world championship. Today I think they were more focused on the game and they controlled Mexico, particularly with the block and defence. Also they were more efficient in the service. Our volleyball is growing, I think.”

Their captain, the setter Azul Rodríguez, assessed that “we played like we know how. We changed completely our attitude from yesterday and everything we studied for today’s match worked out. Actually we have learned that when being behind we must show the enthusiasm which characterises our team.”

Cuban, Ricardo Naranjo, coach of Mexico, congratulated his opponents. “They knew how to control the emotions; they also were very intelligent and skilled; and they demonstrated they play better. My players do not know to play with the required craftiness. Volleyball is not only to spike. They should learn other elements and our terrible game level led us to the second loss. Nevertheless it helps us to know who will be in the world championship and call others who probably will have more heart at the play time.”

Karina Flores, the Central American captain, assured that today’s performance “was for the lack of confidence and ignorance, lack of practice of some players in international events and the resulting afraid of failing, among other inconveniences in the team that affect. On the other hand the Argentineans won as they played better. If we were better we could have fought more.”