|
HAVANA, Cuba, October 4, 2022.- United States
needed five sets to defeat Mexico in their first
challenge decided in a tie-break a the U21 Men’s
Pan American Cup held at Ciudad Deportiva
Coliseum.
Both teams with great ambitions of reaching the
final to win the two tickets available for the
2023 World Championship, witnessed a nice match
due to Mexico´s resistance before falling 25-13,
24-26, 25-21, 22-25 and 15-12.
The northerners demonstrated effectiveness in
attacks finishing with a difference of 62-42; in
blocking they were more even (7-6) and topped in
serves 10-5.
The leading scorer was outside hitter Zachary
Rama (23), joined by opposite hitter Shane
Wetzel (17) and Roberts Noah (17). Followed with
double digits by middle blocker Marc Smith (11).
On the opponent side outside hitter Leonardo
Maldonado (18), opposite hitter Ángel Domínguez
(14) and middle blocker Diego Esquivel (10).
Andy Read, head coach of United States: “Because
of covid-19 we had some time without
preparation. Mexico kept their positive energy
during the match, more focused and their rhythm
was more stable. My athletes weren’t well before
nor during the game. I saw Mexico well prepared
and offered a good resistance. We have an
under-19 player and several college players from
Long Beach, we got together 10 to 20 days before
the event”.
Captain of United States Andrew Rowan: “It was a
good match against Mexico, who played very well.
We had a lot of fun. We are a tall team, and we
have everything to win the tournament. Our
opponents were really hard to defeat in defense
and every skill of the game. They did well the
whole time in serves and passing”.
Jorge Alberto Romero, head coach of Mexico: “I
am excited, I liked how the team responded, it’s
what we want, that can commit against an
opponent no matter their height. We did damage
with serves, we forced them to play from the
outside and that way control their attack”.
Isai Castañeda, Mexican libero: “We started too
slow and disorderly, nevertheless in the second
we knew how to adjust and in the next we missed
some small details. In the fourth we played very
well, but in the fifth we pressed until the end
and couldn’t win, but the team did a good job
and will improve day by day. They always bring
tall men; their blocking is orderly and took
advantage when we were failing”. |
.jpg)