Mexico debuts with straight set victory over Chile

CALI, Colombia, November 26, 2021. - Mexico debuts with a straight set 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-17) victory over Chile at the men's volleyball tournament of the Junior Pan American Games Cali-Valle 2021 that started on Friday at the Evangelista Mora Coliseum.

Mexico had a strong beginning in pool B, prevailing over Chile with a huge 42-27 advantage in kills, 11-2 in blocks and 4-2 in service points, but allowing more points (28-18) from unforced errors than Chile.

Opposite hitter and captain Diego González scored 15 points as Mexico’s top scorer, followed by middle blocker Victor Parra with 14 points, including the most blocks with 5 points and outside hitter Isaias Aguirre contributed with 13 points. On Chile’s side, outside hitter Vicente Ibarra led with 10 points.

On day two of competition, Chile (0-1) will face Brazil (1-0) and Mexico (1-0) goes up against Dominican Republic (0-1).

Diego González, captain of Mexico: “At the beginning we lacked concentration, we needed to get into rhythm, but it’s part of adapting to a new court and starting a tournament, we are glad with the victory. I believe our process has been longer, we have more than eight months practicing and it showed on the court, we managed to control the game”.

Jorge Azair, head coach of Mexico: “Al beginnings are difficult, but we are more at ease because we were too anxious and we weren’t connecting with our side out; when we got settled we controlled our serves. Chile is a well-structured team and it’s important to start well. This match showed us that our boys shouldn’t lose concentration”.

Vicente Mardones, captain of Chile: “We were really nervous, we committed too many mistakes and each beginning of sets we had difficulties in getting in the game. The closing of the two first sets by a small difference had an effect on us. Mexico’s serves were too strong and we know what to improve”.

Daniel Nejamkin, head coach of Chile: “We are glad to be in this great sports party. We accomplished our goal of giving practice to young players, the reason for being here. From a technical point of view, we lost because there was a great difference between our reception and Mexico’s serves”.