Mexico adds second triumph versus Antigua and Barbuda

HAVANA, Cuba, June 25, 2016 – Mexico  took advantage of the slow pace of Antigua and Barbuda to obtain in an hour their second triumph 3-0 (25-10, 25-19, 25-10) in Pool B of the NORCECA Boys U-19 Championship, a qualifying tournament for the 2017 World Championship.

Again outside hitter Raymond Stephends, on the winning side, was the match best scorer (17) followed by Miguel Sarabia (11).

Raymond himself expressed they felt comfortable “we played using what we have learned while meeting opponents who were able to rise to the occasion and that’s why they scored several times. They do not have top-level internationally but you can see they have been working on it.”

Gabri Alarcón said “we are settling down as team. This age category is very unstable, but I liked how we finished the match. In the third set, we commanded the rules of the game. However I am concerned about the instability of our playing level. Nevertheless, they have been able to put pressure at crucial times and it inspires me with confidence.

Olsen Joseph, coach of Antigua and Barbuda, said: “I knew Mexico is strong, but I thought my boys were playing better. Anyway they did their utmost, but were not able to overcome the Mexicans”.

The tall and slim captain Cairon Davis commented: “We did our best. Actually we are a very young team and regrettably we lost against a rival whose level is superior to ours”.