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RENO, USA (Aug. 17, 2015)
– Mexico played strong defense and took advantage of 32 U.S.
scoring errors in a 25-23, 25-20, 25-23 Pan American Cup victory
on Monday at the Reno Events Center.
Mexico (2-3) finishes the tournament in fifth while the U.S.
(2-3) places sixth.
The U.S. led the match in spikes (38-35) while Mexico led in
aces (3-2). The teams tied in blocks (5-5). Twenty of the United
States’ 32 scoring errors came on serves. Mexico gave up 21
points on errors.
Mexico’s hitting efficiency was .264 while the United States’
was .239.
Opposite Daniel Vargas led Mexico with 13 points on 12 spikes
and one block. Setter Pedro Rangel added seven points on three
spikes, two blocks and two aces.
U.S. opposite Kyle Russell, who started the second and third
sets, led all scorers with 15 points on 12 attacks and a
match-high three blocks. Outside hitter Cody Kessel added nine
points on eight spikes and one block.
Mexico head coach, Juan Roberto Vilches
“It was a great victory, the guys played really well. It gave us
a lot of confidence because they learned a lot. The younger
players really came together, especially the middle blockers who
are on the junior team. We accomplished our goal and qualified
for the World League. “
Mexico captain, Daniel Vargas
“It was important for us to play relaxed so everyone was loose
on the court. It’s always fun to play against the United States.
We’re going back home with a good taste and a lot of work to do
in the future.”
U.S. captain, Andrew Nally
“The United States volleyball program has a lot to look forward
to in the future and the years to come. We have to move on
towards our club and university seasons and grab what we can
with what we did this week. It’s unfortunate that we lost, we
didn’t perform to our best but we have a lot of good things
going for us and we need to focus on that.”
U.S. head coach, Jeff Nygaard
“We came in with the team goal of winning this tournament. We
quickly recognized as coaches that our real job that we have is
teaching these players what the international level is about so
we can increase their learning. So when grassroots players of
the U.S.A. pipeline are called the next time to represent the
U.S. they have this experience to draw on. This tournament has
been a wonderful resource because everyone got an opportunity; I
got the opportunity to play everyone, everyone contributed at
the international level, everyone had a positive impact on the
team, and everyone walks away with the feeling that they played
here and gained some experience.” |
