Colombia beats Mexico for spot in the semifinals

ICA, Peru, September 11 2014. - Colombia earns a spot in the semifinals beating Mexico 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 27-25, 25-17) at the II Women’s U-23 Pan-American Cup quarterfinal at Jose Oliva Razzeto Coliseum in Ica.

Mexico took the initiative leading the first set with Colombia engaging in unforced errors and managing to control the actions in the second set.  From there on it was a head to head battle until the South American squad outdueled Mexico in the fourth set by a significant margin. Colombia advances to the semifinals, while Mexico will play for 5-8 placing.

Colombia registered advantage of 58-48 in attacks while Mexico in blocks with 8-5. Both were equally effective with 6 points in the service category and their unforced errors were similar, Colombia with 29 and Mexico with 28.

Colombia’s outside hitter Amanda Coneo scored a match-high of 24 points, followed by middle blocker Yeisy Soto and outside hitter Maria Martinez with 15 and 13 points respectively. For Mexico, outside hitter Lisbeth Sainz led with 18 points; opposite player Andrea Rangel collected 16 points and middle blocker Jocelyn Urias 11 points.

Maria Marin captain of Colombia said “we knew Mexico was a tough opponent and we began out of our usual rhythm, without energy, but without no reason we started to make a better effort and get into the game, in the fourth set we enjoyed ourselves more and had a better advantage; now we’ll play the semifinals with more drive”.

“We started well but we stopped fighting, we lost points and now the results, but we must learn from today’s mistakes and continue to work stronger” said Mexican captain

Andrea Rangel.

Brazilian coach Mauro Marasciulo indicated his team lacked focus in the beginning “we started off weak, it’s been hard motivating the players because we came here already qualified for the world championship (as second in South America). We reached the semifinals and our goal will be to play well”.

Mexican coach Jorge Azair said “we played very bad, mostly the last two sets; I don’t know if it’s immaturity, some players do have experience but we need to learn how to seal the deal. We shouldn’t let teams who we already have in our hands take control”.