Mexico Advances Directly to Semifinals in NORCECA U19

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 16, 2024. - Mexico defeated the host country Honduras 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-8) in their third consecutive victory to advance directly to the semifinals of the Girls’ U19 NORCECA Continental Championship at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa.

Mexico finished first in pool B undefeated and without losing a single set, advancing to Thursday’s semifinals. Honduras, winless (0-3), will play in the classification matches for positions 5 to 8.

Mexico dominated Honduras without setbacks, holding a significant advantage of 40 to 12 in attacks and 12 to 1 in service aces. In blocks, Mexico held a slight edge of 3 to 2. Both teams were similar in errors, with Mexico committing 18 and Honduras 20.

The top scorer of the match was Mexico's Angélica Torres with 15 points. Naomi Cruz and Aylin Ravell added 10 and 9 points respectively. Aitana Rettke scored a match-high of 4 aces.

Outside hitter Sasha Kawas was the leading scorer for Honduras with 10 points.

Angélica Torres, top scorer for Mexico: “We had the opportunity to try new things on the court to prepare for the upcoming matches. We analyzed plays, some couldn't be completed, and others could. Everyone played today. In the semifinals, we hope to give more than a  hundred percent, which is what Mexico deserves”.

Sasha Kawas, top scorer for Honduras: “Mexico plays very fast, and we didn't defend well. We couldn't execute the reception and we should have had more spirit to fight harder. It's over now, the tournament continues”.