Mexico wins Group C opener to Costa Rica
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad & Tobago, October 13, 2017.- Mexico
defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-21) to claim the
NORCECA Group C Qualifier at the National Cycling Centre in Port
of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.
Both teams had a slow beginning but Mexico went on winning
spaces while breaking apart Costa Rica’s well-structured
defense. Mexico had the opportunity to change line-up in the
upper part of set three.
Mexican Samantha Bricio led all scorers with 14 points including
11 kills, followed by Dulce Carranza with 12 points on 9 kills
and 2 aces. Yuliana Gonzalez and Paola Ramirez topped Costa Rica
with 9 and 7 points respectively.
Mexico finished with 32-21 advantage in attacks, 6-2 in blocking
and 7-4 in aces. Mexico scored on 30 opponent errors while
committing 28.
Ricardo Naranjo, Head Coach of Mexico:
“Andrea Rangel is recovering from a shoulder injury and we won’t
take any risks, she will play only if necessary, if we reach a
critical moment in the tournament. Rangel is this team’s leader
and she brings motivation to the girls. We controlled Costa Rica
attacking diagonally which is their handicap. This is a short
tournament so I need all my players to be ready to perform,
that’s why a made some variations. Samantha is a positive
element for our team; she is also recovering from an injury”.
Andrea Rangel, Captain of Mexico:
“The team has to adapt to the court and among themselves, that’s
why the first match is always important. Despite’s Costa Rica
good defense we won. I am sure we will reach our goal and
qualify to the World Championship”.
Cesar Salas, Head Coach of Costa Rica:
“Our strongest asset is our defense and we lifted a lot of
attacks, we performed well. We wanted to be more effective
counter attacking and I am pleases how the players regrouped. We
must hold-off our defense longer, it´s our weapon and we must
work on it more. We should also find better solutions while
attacking, like Mexico did”.
Mijal Hines, Captain of Costa Rica:
“We knew Mexico has a solid and strong team, but we performed
very well; mostly in set two because our reception was more
effective. Our blocking failed but we battled hard. Tomorrow we
will be stronger against Trinidad & Tobago”. |