Mexico grabs gold medal at U-20 Pan Am Cup

HAVANA, Cuba, March 23, 2013 – Mexico was crowned champions of the U-20 Women' U-20 Pan American Cup after a 3-1 (25-23, 25-23, 14-25, 25-15) victory over Dominican Republic at Coliseo de Ciudad Deportiva in Havana on Saturday.

Alejandra Isiordia capped an overall outstanding performance contributing 26 points and a total of 120 as the top scorer of the tournament for the only undefeated side.  Lisbeth Sainz charted 15. For the Dominican Republic, Brayelin Martinez led with 25 while Pamela Soriano and Galia Gonzalez added 12 and 11 respectively.

“My team was not prepared to reach the finals but played with a lot of heart,” said Estanislado Vachino, the Argentinean coach of Mexico. “Now we have to enjoy the victory and continue our preparation towards the world championship.”

The Brazilian Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic, stated: “The cup is in the hands of the team that deserved it the most, they knew how to play against each team of its own pool neutralized my players and is a great champion.”

Isiordia preferred to praise the team above her outstanding individual performance. “I am very proud of my teammates because they responded. Even though we were overconfident in the third set we were able to bounce back and succeed.”

The Dominican Soriano said “our rivals battle until the end and we lacked that in my team, but defeats like this one serve as a big experience.”