Mexico struggles to defeat Costa Rica

MAYAGÜEZ, Puerto Rico, September 2, 2011.- Mexico struggled to defeat Costa Rica in five intense sets 23-25, 22-25, 25-12, 25-15 and 15-11 and will play for the fifth place of the Men’s NORCECA Championship.

Mexicans were surprised by the Central Americans that took control of the first and second set; during the first set Costa Rica was up by an 8 point difference (16-8) that was narrowed by Mexico, but not enough. Mexico restructured and claimed the win; tomorrow they’ll face Trinidad & Tobago for the fifth position.

Gerardo Contreras with 27 points took Mexico to the victory, Jorge Quiñones with 11 and Samuel Cordova and Tomas Aguilera, with 10 a piece contributed with the wining cause. Richard Smith was the best for Costa Rica with 24.

“We were desperate during the first two sets, but that’s how the game is. Costa Rica did it well with a good defense, but we were able to turn the heat with our serves and get the win” said Gerardo Contreras, Mexican captain.

Richard Smith was thrilled with his team “I am very proud that my team stood up to a much stronger team than us, we couldn’t keep the rhythm by engaging in the usual errors”.

“I have to say it, we were too confident which turned into anxiety and then in the loss of the first two sets. The good that I’m able to point out is that we turned things around with serves, which helped us play more calmed”, expressed the coach of Mexico, Jorge Azair.

“Mexico changed their rhythm and we couldn´t catch up. As I’ve been saying the whole championship, this is of great experience that contributes to our growth”, indicated Costarican coach, Cesar Salas.