Mexico win a five-set battle against USA

TIJUANA, Mexico, July 4, 2012 - Mexico advanced to the semifinals of the Boys’ U-19 NORCECA Continental Championship after an exhausting five-set victory over the United States 3-2 (24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10).

Mexico’s Alexis Garay finished with 21 points (including 4 aces) followed by Enrique Ugalde with 19. Mauricio López contributed 17 and Sebastian Castro added 10 in the winning effort.

On the American side, Fey Kupono had a match-high while Lee Smith and Christian Blough each charted 12 and Mitchell Penning tallied 11.

The USA team will meet Costa Rica on the quarterfinals, on Thursday, while Mexico will have an extra day of rest ahead of the semis.

“I want to congratulate Mexico for a great match. It could be decided on either way. Mexico was keeping the ball and put pressure against us,” USA captain Christian Blough said.

For American coach Daniel Friend this was a tough match, with an awesome atmosphere, and very close in every play.

“There were some good rallies, we had unforced errors, Mexico managed the ball very well and knew how to capitalize them,” he mentioned.

“We fought very hard and everyone in the team are very glad for this victory, but now we have to be prepared and think about our next match, probably one more time against USA,” declared Mexico’s captain Mauricio Lopez.

Mexico’s coach Oscar Licea was satisfied for this result, and the key was the tactical order. “USA is a very well ordered team,” he emphasized. “Anybody could win, but fortunately the match decided on our side, and also we had an extra player: the fans. They supported us a lot, but we have to calm down keep working and also have to avoid losing our mind. I am very proud of these guys”.