Colombia edges Mexico for seventh place

PACHUCA, Mexico, June 18, 2014 – Colombia edged hosts Mexico in five sets (19-25, 25-19, 18-25, 31-29, 15-11) in the match for seventh place of the XIII Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on Wednesday at Carlos Martinez Balmori Multisport Hall.

The South Americans improved the ninth place finish in 2013, but also had qualified to the World Grand Prix 2015, an unprecedented fact in the sport, a ticket also grabbed by Mexico from the NORCECA area.

In spite of that, both teams battled all the way with Colombians Amanda Coneo and María Margarita Martínez leading with 21 points apiece.

For the home team, Andrea Rangel (19), Alejandra Segura (16), Lizbeth Sainz (12) y Dulce Carranza (11) all finished with double digits.

Mauro Marasciulo, Coach of Colombia: “It was a very close match and for us it was difficult because the girls were too relaxed after booking the ticket and we tried to get them into focus, especially against a team so aggressive like Mexico, supported by the fans. But my girls raised the level.”

Jorge Azair, Coach of Mexico: “Tactically both teams played with discipline, but we lacked decision at the end. We had two counterattacks in the fourth to win the match but could not finish. That was the difference. We lowered the intensity of the services and they, with the power of some of their players, sentenced us. Despite the sour taste I am in calm, they had a good competition considering the short time we have been together. We know we can do more.”