Argentina claim a 3-0 victory over hosts Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico, October 6, 2013 –Argentina defeated Mexico in straight sets 26-24, 25-21, 25-21 to claim their first victory in Pool A of the FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship on Sunday night at Baja California High Performance Center.

The victory earned Argentina an even win-loss record at 1-1, while Mexico dropped to a 0-2 mark.

Three Argentineans finished with 10 points –Maria Calvete, Victoria Zabala and Sofia Bulgarella) while Virginia Granado contributed 8 points.

Andrea Rangel and Claudio Rios scored 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the defeated side.

Mexico topped Argentina in blocks (7-4) and in aces (5-4) but the winners were the better team in spikes (41-32).

It was a close battle for most part of the first set. Argentina led 8-6 and Mexico was in front 16-15 at the technical time-out. At 22-all, Micaela Fabiana and Maria Calvete scored consecutive spikes for Argentina. Then, Micaela Fabiani and Calvete failed with their serve and kill attempts. Eugenia Nosach scored for Argentina and Claudia Rios’ attack was too long. Argentina took the set 26-24.

Argentina was in front 8-7 and 16-13 at the technical stops. Claudia Rios’ spike followed by one ace from Alejandra Perales closed the gap to 21-18 forcing a time-out from Argentina. Rangel and Perales combined spike and ace for 21-20 but Sofia Bulgarella responded from the Argentinean side. Fabiani blocked Lizbeth Sainz for the 25-21 score in favor of Argentina.

Argentina commanded at the two technical time-out of the third set 8-3 and 16-12 with a balanced attack led by Calvete and Victoria Zabala. Two spikes by Rios led a Mexican reaction to shorten the distance to 17-15. Andrea Rangel sent Mexico within one point at 20-19 but two spikes by Fabiani helped Argentina to the 25-21 score and the victory.