Mexico outclasses Costa Rica to complete the semifinals

LIMA, Peru, June 19, 2011 – Mexico did not have many difficulties to overcome Costa Rica in straight sets 25-19, 25-15 y 25-18 and will be the opponent of Dominican Republic in the first semifinal of Monday at the First U-20 Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup.

Middle blocker Lizbeth Sainz, of Mexico, had double figures with 10 points while outside hitter Evelyn Sibaja of Costa Rica charted eight tallies.

Cuban Victor Garcia, who coaches Mexico in preparation for the U-18 World Championship in Turkey, commented that “Costa Rica was a good rival, and showed that in a short time they will be advancing within NORCECA region. Tomorrow we are going out to battle as we always look to win and won’t be any different.”

Braulio Godínez, coach of Costa Rica made reference to some good moments of his players during the match and then said “I hope their best effort against Venezuela for fifth place, even though we recognize their level is above ours.”

Both captains, Mexico’s Alicia Castro and Costa Rica’s Marcela Araya agreed on that it was a good match, although Araya said that “we were too passives, we lacked hustle and fighting spirit.”

On Monday’s action, Dominican Republic meets Mexico in the first semifinal followed by the match for fifth place between Venezuela and Costa Rica with the nightcap featuring Peru versus Cuba.