Mexico dominates Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets

ICA, Peru, September 19, 2014. - Mexico dominated Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets 25-17, 25-13, 25-17 in their last match in Pool A at the II Women’s U-23 Pan-American Cup at the Jose Oliva Razzeto Coliseum in the city of Ica.

Mexico struggled more than necessary in the early stage of the match to defeat Trinidad and Tobago who blocked their offensive line; but they gained confidence as the match progressed and managed the win with a faster rhythm.

Mexico concludes the preliminary round in third place in Pool A, with a 1-2 win-loss record and advance to the quarterfinals to be held in Ica on Thursday. Trinidad and Tobago will travel to the city of Chincha and play for 5-8 placing starting on Friday.

The winners held a huge advantage in kills with a 43-17 margin; they were also more effective in serves by 6-3. Trinidad and Tobago controlled the blocking category with 10-5 advantage but committed more errors (21) than Mexico (17).

Mexican middle blocker Patricia Valle and Trinidad and Tobago’s outside hitter Channon Thompson led their teams with 12 tallies apiece.

“Winning this match was very important to advance to the next round, we did our job well, making technical adjustments from yesterday’s errors, we were well coordinated and now we have to think in our next opponent to reach the semifinals” said Mexican captan Andrea Rangel.

Channon Tompson, captaina and top scorer for Trinidad and Tobago expressed “in general I feel satisfied with my team’s effort, we are a young team and we need more experience”.

Head coach of Mexico, Jorge Azair explained that his team is working hard and developing “we started with complications and gave Trinidad and Tobago many opportunities to stop our attacks; we recovered our rhythm and the result we needed. We must continue our efforts to improve”.

Saleem Ali coach of Trinidad and Tobago said “the team’s growth is possible with more practice and more matches; this is what we want to obtain from the tournament”.