Mexico advances to play for gold

HAVANA, Cuba, March 22, 2013 - Mexico claimed the victory following four disputed sets with Peru (23-25​​, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19) and will play against Dominican Republic for the gold medal of the U-20 Women's Pan American Cup at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva in Havana on Saturday.

The serves and the strong defense at the net with 15 blocks against two of their opponents were key factors driving Mexico for the first time to the final.

Alejandra Isiordia and Lisbeth Sains with 26 and 23 points respectively led the winners while the aggressive Angela Leyva stood out on the Peruvian side with 20.

"We are happy to dispute the gold," said Estanislao Vachino, the Argentinean coach of Mexico. "This is another step in the team's preparation for the world championship, and now back to project how beat the Dominicans again, which is not easy."

Isiordia, captain of Mexico, said she was proud of his team, however "we didn’t start the way we are, strong. It was not an easy game, a bit complicated even though we knew  how to manage our nerves.”