Argentina qualifies to U23 FIVB World Championship

SAN VICENTE DE CAÑETE, Peru, September 24, 2016 – Argentina qualified to the 2017 FIVB U23 Women’s World Championship by defeating South American rival Peru 3-1 (26-28, 25-21, 25-20, 25-20) in the second semifinal of the Pan American Cup of the age group in front of more than 4,500 spectators at the Lolo Fernandez Coliseum on Saturday.

The victory earned Argentina a shot to the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup by Gatorade on Sunday.

Candelaria Herrera recorded 9 blocks and two aces among her 19 points to lead the winners while Daniela Bulaich contributed 16 points, all in attacks. Sol Piccolo and Camila Hiruela each had 11 points in the victory. Argentina outblocked Peru 12-6 and led in attacks 56-49.

Peru’s Angela Leyva had a match-high 25 points in the losing effort and Maguilaura Frias added 12.

Guillermo Orduna, coach of Argentina: “This is historic for us, to win in this category the qualification to the world championship. I am very proud of this group and the volleyball we have in our country and this pass to such important event is part of the growth we have experiencing at the international level.” 

Mauro Marasciulo, coach of Peru: “The third set we started on top but the team lost the concentration a little bit and Argentina took advantage of that to take the lead. Angela Leyva did a great job but the defense continues to fail. Now we have to recover to earn a podium position.”