Mexico makes it into semifinals defeating Puerto Rico

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, June 21, 2018. - Mexico defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-21) making their way into the Women’s NORCECA U20 semifinals against United States in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

After a two and half hour rain delay (roof leaks), both teams approached the adversity with an intense performance to move into semifinals. Mexico enjoyed the much wanted semifinal spot to face United States; Puerto Rico meets Honduras for placing matches 5 to 8.

Mexico took the first sets jumping to an early lead. With some changes in set two, Puerto Rico’s hard performers edged Mexico in keeping the scored tied on several occasions; still it was Mexico who continued in the lead. Set three was the toughest; it took Mexico three match points to move into semifinals.

The home team won on 37-30 margin in attacks and 4-3 in blocks, while scoring on 29 opponent errors. Puerto Rico led 7-5 in blocks and scored on 18 Mexican errors.

Mexico used a balanced offense between opposite player Uxue Guereca and wing spiker Melanie Parra with 14 points each, followed by wing spiker Esther Castro with 11 points. Puerto Rico’s top scorers were wing spikers Ariana Pagan and Paulina Perez collected 10 points apiece.

Wing spiker Esther Castro de México: “Each one of us did their job on the court, we got into difficulties because we pressured ourselves. We concentrated well. In the third set, the actions were tougher. I am really happy and hopefully we’ll have the same energy”.

Luis Alberto León head coach of México: “I was expecting to win, but not in three sets, I was optimistic because my team fights and has worked hard. Against United States, I believe we can perform the same way or even improve, because we do better with their high spiking and our system is defensive and we try to keep the in action. I hope there will be no delays like today and yesterday, you lose confidence and the day is too long”.

Rafael Olazagasti head coach of Puerto Rico: “I am not happy, I knew it was going to be a tough game, Mexico performed well, they attacked strong and we weren’t passing during the first two sets, and if your passing is off you can’t attack in the middle, you can’t open opportunities. We need to learn how to close sets and Mexico did, we didn’t. Mexico was our direct opponent, there are three teams here, United States, Cuba and Dominican Republic are the strongest and for us it’s up hill”.

Libero player Ashley Roman: “Despite losing, I am very happy with my job on the court, for all the hard work with my teammates, we did our best. It wasn’t the result we were looking for, but we will continue training and work harder. We needed to be focused, not let the supporters get to us, we were playing the Mexico, and we were concentrated. Yes we failed, but we fought strongly and my team’s energy was high”.