|
DETROIT, USA, May 21, 2015 – The United States used powerful
serving to defeat a young Mexican team, 25-15, 25-12, 25-17 on
Thursday at the NORCECA Champions Cup at Joe Louis Arena.
The United States (1-0) will play Cuba (0-1) on Friday in the
round robin tournament while Mexico (0-1) will face Canada
(1-0).
The top two Champions Cup finishers qualify for the 2015 FIVB
World Cup, which is the first qualifier for the 2016 Olympic
Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The United States led in aces 15-3, with middle blocker Max Holt
finishing with seven and opposite Murphy Troy adding four. The
U.S. also out-blocked Mexico (9-0) and led in kills (34-25).
“I think we served the ball really well. That is an obvious
positive,” U.S. Head Coach John Speraw said. “Interestingly, a
few of our errors were almost uncharacteristic. We can serve the
ball even better.”
Speraw also praised Mexico’s tenacity.
“They are a young team, they actually dug a couple balls in some
pretty impressive rallies,” Speraw said.
Mexico Head Coach Juan Roberto Vilches was not unhappy with his
team’s performance.
“I am satisfied because it was our first match of the season and
our first international match we played and my first match as
head coach,” he said. “We have had just a couple weeks
practicing together. Tomorrow we believe we can do better and
progress and have a better show for the crowd.”
Troy led all scorers with 15 points on 10 kills, one block and
the four aces. Holt finished with nine points on two kills and
the seven aces. Opposite Daniel Vargas led Mexico with eight
points on eight kills. |
