Mexico overcame Guatemala for first victory

Havana, Cuba, October 5, 2014 – Mexico claimed their first victory by overcoming Guatemala to win 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17) in the opening day of the second U-23 Pan American Men’s Volleyball Cup at the Coliseum of the Sports City.     

On the winning team, the opposite hitter, Alexis Garay, (16) and outside Julian Duarte (14) led the attack and defeated their opponents with a better blocking (43-37) and service (4-3). Although the Guatemalans were better at blocking (9-7), they made a lot of errors (43-37).

Axel Menendez, spiker and receiver of Guatemala, scored 16 and was the only one of his team who had double digits.    

Cuban Roberto Vilches, coach of Mexico admitted that the start of the match was uncertain despite his players have experience, “but sometimes it happens in the debut and much more at a new scene which surprised them. On the other hand, Guatemala came out looking forward to winning and my team was confident and it cost us the set. Although my boys adjusted their game, some changes were made which brought better results and the three following sets concluded easily.”   

The tall Jesús Alberto Morales, Mexican captain, stated: “It was a difficult match; I congratulate the opposing team as they were good on the court. It was not easy. We lacked concentration when we came out, but we gained in rhythm increasingly, we recovered ourselves and we were able to stop the impetuosity with which they came out, they were really motivated.”

Another Cuban coach, Reider Lucas, of Guatemala, highlighted the strength of their rivals: “They had a good match and my boys, on the the other hand did what they could. They made many mistakes, but we are aimed at improving more and more each day. Neither the outside hitter nor the setter got to play at the game level they can, but the reception was good.” 

Gerardo Paz, the Guatemala captain, considered they gave a show: “We played fairly well, but unfortunately we failed key points. Nevertheless we are glad to have had this result. Although in the second set we did not come out with the same attitude we played at the beginning of the match. Anyway, we will go for it.”