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CALI, Colombia, November 29, 2021.- Mexico moved
into the title match beating Argentina in a
five-set thrilling semifinal 3-2 (25-21, 24-26,
25-22, 23-25, 15-13) at the men’s volleyball
tournament of the I Junior Pan American Games at
the Evangelista Mora Coliseum.
The roller coaster semifinal had both teams
involved offensively and defensively where the
scores were tied on numerous occasions where
Mexico won to face Brazil in the gold medal
match. Argentina will play against Colombia in
the bronze medal Match.
Mexico came out on top with a huge 16-6
advantage in blocking. Argentina held a 51-48
margin in attacks while both teams scored three
points from serves. Mexico committed 47 unforced
errors against 45 from Argentina.
Opposite hitter and captain Diego González of
Mexico led all scorers with 23 points from 20
kills, 2 blocks and one ace; middle blocker
Victor Parra contributed with 10 points.
Opposite hitter Bautista Gazaba led Argentina
with 18 points, followed by outside hitter and
captain Mauro Zelayeta with 17 points and middle
blocker Imanol Salazar with 10 points.
Diego González, captain of Mexico:
“We were expecting a long match and we were
prepared for it. We were able to move forward
with adrenaline and using bench players. The
tournament isn’t over yet, tomorrow we have an
important match against Brazil, we’ve both
studied each other well, we know our pros and
cons, they are a strong team”.
Mauro Zelayeta, captain of Argentina:
“We aren’t happy, we know we gave all we have on
the court, we had several unforced errors in
serves, in counterattack and receiving. Mexico
prevailed with a couple of counterattacks and
they also played at a high level. Tomorrow we
still have a match for a medal”.
Jorge Azair, head coach of México:
“Today the boys took an important step towards
great things. Our subs did an important job,
they made the difference and technically we
failed more serves then we normally do. They
have confidence; they know they can face any
team in the world. The team is physically in
great shape and we expect a tough match
tomorrow”.
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