Mexico Advances to Semifinals in Asunción 2025

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, July 13, 2025. – Mexico secured its place in the semifinals of the women’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025 after defeating Costa Rica in straight sets (25-17, 25-18, 25-19) at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee Arena.

In the semifinal stage, Mexico will face Argentina, while Costa Rica will compete in the classification round for fifth to eighth place.

In the first set, Costa Rica managed to contain Mexico in the early points, but from point 10 onward, Mexico took control with strong offense from outside hitters Aimé Topete and Marcela Herrera. For Costa Rica, outside hitter María del Sol Venegas contributed key points.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with the score tied until point 11. Costa Rica displayed defensive resilience to keep the ball in play, while Mexico made several lineup adjustments. Katherine Ramírez stood out for Mexico, and Jocelyn Moraga led the Costa Rican effort.

In the third set, Costa Rica surprised by tying the score at 16 thanks to offensive contributions from Ivanny Blackwood and Melina Abarca. However, Mexico capitalized on the opponent’s errors and added points through the attacks of Topete and Michelle Lizárraga to close the match, which ended with a powerful spike from Lizárraga.

Mexico led in attacks (57-33) and blocks (6-4), conceding 15 points from errors. Costa Rica scored 2 points on aces and committed 12 unforced errors.

Aimé Topete led all scorers with 16 points (13 attacks, 3 blocks). Also contributing to the winning effort, Michelle Lizárraga with 10 (9 attacks, 1 block), and Arleth Márquez and Andrea Félix with 8 each. For Costa Rica, María del Sol Venegas led with 11 points (7 attacks, 4 blocks), while Jocelyn Moraga contributed 10, all on attacks.

Mexico’s head coach, Luis León, highlighted that the first goal was accomplished: “Reaching the semifinals has been achieved. Now we go for the next one, which is to be in the medals. Tomorrow will be a tough match regardless of the opponent.”

Costa Rica’s head coach, Braulio Godínez, emphasized his team’s progress: “We have seen the team’s improvement throughout the tournament. This group wasn’t able to play together due to Costa Rica’s various international commitments. Little by little, we have improved from the first match to this one; something they have achieved is getting more into the game.”