Mexico women’s make one-two at Toluca

TOLUCA, Mexico, May 27, 2012— The Mexican Olympic duo of Mayra García and Bibiana Candelas captured the gold medal of the VI NORCECA International Beach Volleyball Circuit, after beating Mexico’s second couple of Martha Revuelta and Vanessa Virgen 2-0 (21-15, 21-11).

Revuelta and Virgen scored the big surprise by defeating Cuba’s Nirian Sinal and Ion Canet in the semifinals 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-11). 

“We feel happy but not at one hundred percent, we won against Cuba, we lost against them one week ago, but we have to keep on working hard to get the gold,” Revuelta said.

Her partner, Vanessa Virgen struggled with the high altitude in the semifinals. “I felt a little bit sick, I catch a cold, but anyway I had to keep playing, fortunately Mexico has medals (gold and silver),” she said.

Mayra García also struggled with the conditions, but in the end it was a great feeling. “I liked how the people responded and came here to watch the matches, supporting our teams, and we hope to get the same support at the Olympic Qualifier,” stated García.

Candelas, one of the most followed players of the tour at this stop thanked the fans and also remarked: “This is the second time we face Martha and Vanessa, it is difficult when you face your same country, we know each other very well and that is when it becomes complicated”.

Cuba’s Canet and Sinal won the bronze after beating Canada’s Jacqueline Tait and Victoria Cowley 2-1 (18 -21, 21-18, 15-11). Just a few days ago, they had won gold at the Chiapas stop.

Sinal and Canet lost the semifinal against Revuelta and Virgen of Mexico-2  in a match that became one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.

In the other semifinal, Garcia and Candelas defeated the Canadians Tait and Cowley 2-0 (21-4, 21-14).

The final day in women’s competitions featured other matches for the classification between places 9th and 11th. El Salvador’s Diana Romero and Marcela Ávalos won against Brenda Allen and Chancia Dyer from Saint Kitts and Nevis 2-0 (21-14, 21-14).

Meanwhile, Guatemala’s Steffany Bolaños and Lourdes Ramirez defeated Ayana Dyette and Elki Phillip from Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 (21-11, 21-18).

Women’s Results on Sunday: Positions 9-11: ESA d. SKN 2-0 (21-14, 21-14), GUA d. TRI 2-0 (21-11, 21-18).  Semifinals: MEX-1 d. CAN 2-0 (21-04, 21-14), MEX-2 d. CUB 2-1 (17-21, 21-12, 15-11). Bronze medal match: CUB d. CAN 2-1 (18 -21, 21-18,15-11). Gold medal match: MEX-1 d. MEX-2 2-0 (21-15, 21-11)