Brazil downs Mexico in straight sets

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 8, 2018 – Brazil defeated Mexico in straight sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-17) in the first match of Pool C at the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup, a qualifier to next year’s Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Bruna Honorio Marques led a balanced Brazilian offense with 16 points, followed by Francyne Jacintho and Thaisa de Menezes with 12 and 11, respectively.

Andrea Rangel and Samantha Bricio stood out for Mexico with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Brazil outblocked Mexico 11-4 while both teams finished with 4 aces.

Andrea Rangel, captain of Mexico: It was a close match up for most of the sets but we were not able to close them. Our setter made some mistakes and we also lost the focus.”

Dani Lins, captain of Brazil: “We knew it was going to be a tough match. They have some strong players like No. 12 (Samantha Bricio) and a couple more. For the first match I think is a good start for us.”

Ricardo Ponce, coach of Mexico: “I am satisfied because for many of my players this was their first international match. The sets were really close against a team like Brazil.”

Wagner Fernandes, coach of Brazil: “It was a battle point by point. We did not have many information about their team only about some individual players like Samantha. Our team has been together for 3 and a half weeks and this was our first match. It was a good testing for our team.”