Mexico outclass Trinidad for fourth win

HAVANA Cuba, October 8, 2014 – Mexico defeated Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-17) in only 44-minute match for their fourth consecutive win to open Wednesday’s programme at the II U-23 Pan American Men’s Volleyball Cup.  

The opposite hitter, Alexis Garay (11) was the only player who tallied double digits by the Central Americans while outside hitter Brandon Legall (10) did it for the Caribbeans.

Roberto Vilches, the Cuban coach of Mexico, described the match as relatively easy due to the lack of resistance from their rivals.

“We did want to increase a little more the dynamism as it was part of the preparation work for the upcoming match against Cuba tomorrow,” Vilches said. “They are one of the favourite teams and we want to give a nice show. So, I want my players to do their best, come out with all their possible strength, on equal terms, and things will work out well for us. That’s our test here when meeting Dominican Republic, who we already defeated, and Cuba; the two strongest teams at this tournament.”

Their captain, Jesus Morales, indicated: “It was a good match because we knew how to react to the Trinidadians, and we prepared ourselves both to meet the Cubans and play the final where it is almost sure we will also meet the host team. We never underestimate the opponents, in each match we take them seriously; but today we take advantages to rotate our players with those teammates who have had to play less and I think they did it well as they came out with devotion and showed the good game level they have.”

Gideon Dickson, Caribbean coach, said the match was quite hard: “Truly, the last objectives of our team, considering the results attained to date, have become really complicated; in principle, because we had to play against a rival of great efficiency like Mexico. Nevertheless, we will try to keep on improving our effectiveness.

Their leader, Legall, stated: “The boys gave a better show than yesterday, the pass and the spike had more quality. The point is that Mexico has a better defence and block, and thus it was difficult for us to do our game.”