Mexico moves into semifinals as pool B top finisher

Mexico moves into semifinals as pool B top finisher

COLIMA, Mexico, June 18, 2019.- Mexico was top finisher in pool B with a stunning straight set 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18) victory against Puerto Rico to move into the semifinals of the fourteenth Men’s Pan American Cup in Colima, Mexico.

Mexico finishes with 3-0 record, earning a bye into semifinals and Puerto Rico with 2-1 mark moves to quarterfinals.

The home team was convincing, scoring all over the place to stop Puerto Rico’s winning streak. Set two was the toughest while the scores were tied on numerous occasions.

Mexico finished with 8-4 advantage in blocks and limited their errors to 17 points; Puerto Rico on the other hand led by slim 40-39 margin in spikes, 3-2 in blocks and committed 26 errors.

Opposite Daniel Vargas and outside hitter Gonzalo Ruiz scored 16 and 12 points respectively as Mexico’s top attackers. Outside hitter Kevin Lopez led Puerto Rico with 13 points, followed by opposite Javier Rodriguez with 11 points.

Comments:

Pedro Rangel, captain México: “We have improved a lot from our first performance, today we took care of many details but we can perform much better and it will show in the following matches. We had some miscommunications in set two, adding to the fact that Puerto Rico pressed with their serves”.

Pelegrin Vargas, captain Puerto Rico: “We were always close against a highly motivated Mexican team playing at home. We wasted many opportunities, maybe because we are young or immature. Set two was our best, with a three point margin, we couldn´t come out of a rotation which made the difference”.

Jorge Azair, coach Mexico: “This was a difficult match, Puerto Rico has a difficult serve, mostly in set two, but we remained calm because of our experienced players. Our substitutions were really important”.

Oswald Antonetti, coach Puerto Rico: “Our team is a young group that depends on their carácter and character is defined by many repetitions in these events. A lot of our players don’t have experience; I think there are many positive things from this game”.