Mexico advances to semifinals of U19 Cup

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 26, 2019 – Mexico claimed a direct ticket to the semifinals of the U19 Boys’ Pan American Volleyball Cup after a 3-1 (25-21, 25-19, 21-25, 25-20) over Puerto Rico in Pool B on Friday. The Mexicans finished with 2-0.

Despite going winless in the three-team pool, Puerto Rico will get a chance at the quarterfinals against the second place team of Pool A, most likely the host Dominican Republic.

Franky Hernández was the main offensive weapon for Mexico with 22 points, including 4 aces, followed by Luis David Hernández who contributed 16 points in the victory. Luis Ramón López and Aldo Zambrano each chipped in with 8 points.

Sebastián Negron shared with Hernandez the honors as best scorers of the match with 22 points and four aces in the losing effort. Diego Rosich and Wilmer Hernández scored 14 and 10, respectively, for Puerto Rico.

Gabriela Alarcón, coach of Mexico: “It was a match similar to all that we play against Puerto Rico, well contested. For a moment, the boys let it down a little but recovered and were able to control the serves of Puerto Rico and improve the blocking which was the part of their game that was missing.”

Juan Albarrán, coach of Puerto Rico: “Mexico was more patient and disciplined than us in the key moments. But I think it was a good game and prepare us for the next match.”

Wilmer Hernández, captain of Puerto Rico: “After falling 0-2 we climbed back in the third set and in the fourth we almost force a tie-breaker. At the end the little things made the difference.”