Mexico beats Costa Rica to remain Undefeated in NORCECA U19

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 15, 2024. - Mexico defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-15) to remain undefeated in the Girls’ U19 NORCECA U-19 Continental Championship being held at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Mexico has an undefeated record of 2-0 in pool B, while Costa Rica stands at 1-1.

On Tuesday, Costa Rica (0-2) will conclude pool-play against the Dominican Republic at 2:00 pm, and Mexico (2-0) will face Honduras at 8:00 pm.

Mexico set the pace of the match with advantages in every skill of the game, attacking (37-18), blocking (8-5), and service aces (7-1). Mexico committed one less error than Costa Rica (22-23).

Costa Rica managed to contain Mexico up to point ten in all three sets; from then on, the Mexicans dominated with the offensive play of Naomi Cruz, who led all scorers with 16 points on13 attacks, one block, and two aces, supported by Angélica Torres with 14 points on 10 attacks, one block, and a match-high of three aces.

Opposite hitter Dayna Barrantes and outside hitter Mariela Navarro led Costa Rica with 6 points each.

Naomi Cruz, top scorer for Mexico: “Costa Rica managed to contain us at the beginning; we started the sets a bit slow. We gave our best, without pressure, to keep the match from getting complicated. As the sets progressed, our confidence and game intensity increased. We all supported each other, just like our coaches, who always help us improve. There is a lot of unity in the team”.

Dayna Barrantes, top scorer for Costa Rica: “We entered the match knowing Mexico is a tough opponent. We gave our best, especially at the start of each set. Mexico is a team with greater physical capabilities than us, and it motivated us to stay close on the scoreboard until almost halfway through each set. We played well against Mexico. We are waiting for the result of Honduras today and the results of tomorrow’s matches in the group to know if we advance to the quarterfinals”.