Mexico Win Pool B, Advance to Semifinals in Xalapa

XALAPA, Mexico, September 5, 2024. - Mexico won Pool B after a 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-21) victory over Peru and advanced to the semifinals of the Women's U23 Pan American Cup at the International Velodrome of Xalapa, Veracruz.

Mexico earned their spot in the semifinals with a 3-0 record. Peru (2-1), second in Pool B, will face Chile on Friday in the quarterfinals.

Mexico capitalized on 24 opponent errors, along with a comfortable 47 to 32  advantages in kills. The hosts also outperformed in blocks 5 to 3 and in service points 5 to 4.

Outside hitter Marcela Herrera and opposite hitter Arleth Marquez scored 19 and 12 points respectively for Mexico. Herrera scored a match-high of 4 aces.

For Peru, outside hitter Xina Cortez scored 8 points.

Peru surprised Mexico with Fabiana Hurtado and Xina Cortez power over the net to reach a seven-point lead (15-7), but Mexico fought back with the offense of Michelle Lizárraga, Arleth Marquez, and Marcela Herrera to tie at 21 and close the set in their favor. In the second set, Mexico played with more confidence and never trailed. The score in the third set remained close and tied until point 14, when Mexico pulled ahead up to the end, with María Ximena Cruz scoring the final kill point.

Luis León, Head coach of Mexico: “It was extremely difficult for us to get into the game, find our rhythm, and gain confidence. It wasn’t until after the middle of the first set that we reacted, and it was just enough for us to win the first set. Peru came out strong, did their job, and executed with confidence and security—something we lacked at the start. Things started to flow, and we are ready for the semifinals”.

Marcelo Diniz Bencardino, Head coach of Peru: “The team played very well in the first set. We were down 20-16 and managed to come back to 23-20 with good effort and confidence. We tied at 23 but had difficulty finishing. Basically, the first set was more ours than Mexico's. Naturally, the second set took a toll. It won’t be the first or last time, so we need to stay calm. We will keep going”.