Mexico prevail in straight sets again

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, July 17, 2014 - Mexico took another step towards qualification for the Women’s World Volleyball Championships when they whipped Panama 25-13, 25-15, 25-20 Thursday night at Sport & Physical Education Centre of the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies.

The tournament favourites are now unbeaten from two matches as they had brushed aside Costa Rica in straight sets when the NORCECA Playoff for the Women’s World Volleyball Championships served off the night before.

Mexico’s Zaria Orellana was the game’s leading scorer with 14 points, while her captain Andrea Rangel had one point less and was the only other player to reach double figures in the 73-minute contest.

Panamanian skipper Johanna Arroyo led the way for her team with nine points.

Arroyo said “We need to fight more for what we want, They wanted it more, I think that was the difference.”

Panama’s coach Reynaldo Ortega stated: “Mexico took advantage of hard, floaty serves” and pointed out that they are a good all-round team.”

Mexican coach Miguel Jorge Azair was satisfied with the first two sets, but thought his team only performed well in the closing stages of the third. 

Captain Rangel said: “we continue working hard towards our main object of qualifying for the World Championships.”

Costa Rica, Nicaragua and T&T are the other teams attempting to win this round-robin playoff tournament on July 20 and secure the 24th and final place in the World Championships, which will take place in Italy from September 23-October 12.