Historic victory for Mexico in FIVB World Grand Prix

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, July 27, 2014 – Newcomers Mexico recorded their first ever victory at the FIVB World Grand Prix with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-23) over Algeria on Saturday ay Juan de la Barrera Gymnasium of Mexico City.

One day after losing to Kenya, the other African team taking part in the third group, the home side bounced back with renovated energy and held off the resilient Algerian squad who remained winless in two outings in Pool Q.

Meanwhile, The Netherlands defeated Puerto Rico (25-22, 25-11, 25-22) and Argentina outplayed Cuba 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-12) in Pool K action at Guillermo Angulo Coliseum of Carolina, Puerto Rico.

In Lima, Peru, Canada lost to Poland in four sets (25-15, 14-25, 25-21, 25-11). The Canadians dropped to a 0-2 record in Pool J.

Mexico 3, Algeria 0

Lizbeth Sainz tallied 17 points leading Mexico to a straight-set victory (25-19, 25-22, 25-23) over Algeria marking the first ever victory for the newcomers Mexicans in the World Grand Prix. Claudia Rios contributed 11 points in the victory while Zaira Orellana and Alejandra Segura finished with 10 points apiece. Lydia Oulmou topped Algeria with 8 points while Kahina Arbouche and Mouni Abderrahim each had seven points. Mexico dominated in attacks 50-33 and outblocked the defeated side 9-4.

The Netherlands 3, Puerto Rico 0

The Dutch side improved to a 2-0 win-loss record following their victory in consecutive sets (25-22, 25-11, 25-22) over hosts Puerto Rico (1-1). The winners outscored the losers in attacks (42-36), blocks (6-4) and aces (10-6). Judith Pieterson spearheaded The Netherlands with 17 points, including four aces, and Robin De Kruijf added 11. Celeste Plak had 9 points in the victory while Yvon Belien and Anne Buijs each finished with 8 points. Puerto Rican Karina Ocasio topped all the scorers in the match with 19 points and Aury Cruz had 10 in the loss.

Argentina 3, Cuba 1

Argentina outserved Cuba 12-4 and took advantage of 30 unforced opponent errors while committing 18 in the 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-12). The Argentineans evened their record at 1-1 and Cuba dropped to 0-2. Elina Rodriguez and Lucia Fresco led the winners with 19 and 17 points, respectively, while Tanya Acosta added 12 tallies, including three blocks and four aces. Melissa Vargas had a match-high 21 points for Cuba while Alena Rojas and Jennifer Alvarez finished with 12 apiece.

Poland 3, Canada 1

Poland defeated Canada in four sets (25-15, 14-25, 25-21, 25-11) in a match of up and downs from both sides. Poland (2-0) dominated in the blocking category 16-10 and held a slight margin of 9-7 in aces. The winners outscored their opponents in attacks 48-31. Katarzyna Zaroslinska led the Polish attack with 16 points while Agnieszka Kakolewska added 12, including a match-high six blocks. Aleksandra Wojcik and Katarzyna Polec added 12 and 10, respectively. Brittney Page, Tabitha Love, Lucille Charuk and Shanice Marcell each had 9 points for Canada (0-2).