Mexico defeats Nicaragua to deserve bronze medal

HAVANA, Cuba, June 29, 2016 – Mexico overpowered Nicaragua 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-14) to deserve the bronze medal of the NORCECA Boys U-19 Championship held at the Sports City Coliseum.

The winners finished the event with record of 4 victories and 2 losses after dominating in their last appearance in the court in all the match performance items: attack (29-18), block (13-1) and service (4-2); not in unforced errors I which both teams had similar figures (28-29).

Miguel Sarabia, outside hitter, was the only player with double-digits (10), followed by his team-mates Raymond Stephens and Eduardo D. Kraus with 9 points each.

On the Nicaraguan side, Byron Hernandez (9) and Jonny Zeledon (8) were again the team best scorers, despite not feeling in their best shape for suffering from a pain in one shoulder and the flu, respectively.

Gabri Alarcon, Mexican coach, did not conceal her joy for the bronze medal conquered. “We have achieved to prepare for the Pan American Cup next year to fight for the remaining ticket available to the World Championship.”

“Today, our opponents seemed to be tired, but on some occasions they put us under pressure, particularly when receiving at what it is supposed we are better. Actually they made us work as they have got less fitness than my pupils. Nevertheless they presented an organized playing system and they never gave up as they did battle up to the end”, unpretentiously underlined about her rivals.

Libero, Gabirel Gardea, said his team was quite happy for having reached the podium, but “with the bitter taste of not having been able to go through to the great final. Nevertheless, I know we did do our utmost and we have gained a lot of experience. Personally, it was my debut and I have learned to play as team and adjust to other playing systems. It will be unforgettable.”

Osma Hernandez, Nicaraguan coach, praised his boys “as they entered looking forward to playing and they have exceeded our goal for this event. They did their best, but they could not do more today. Based on the preparation made prior to the tournament, it is good to be fourth place; in fact, improving the previous ones (5th) at NORCECA U-19 Championships.

Libero, Luis Edward Amador was designated by his coach to be interviewed given his contribution to his squad. “We went in to play in the name of our homeland, getting fun and cheerfully as we knew the rival was tough. So we are glad as it is the first time my country to reach this position and we did it aggressively and doing battle every opposing team.”