Mexico stormed past Costa Rica to remain unbeaten 

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, June 19, 2018. - Mexico easily defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-19, 25-9, 25-12) in pool B at the NORCECA U20 Women’s Continental Championship in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Mexico and Costa Rica started off set one with long rallies up to the second technical time-out when Mexican hitters controlled the offense over the net. Mexico stormed past Costa Rica in set two, keeping a huge advantage the entire set. Mexico won in straight sets without troubles.

Mexico’s impressive 41-18 lead in kills was enough to keep Costa Rica under control. They also led in blocks 8-3 and 7-1 in service points. Mexico committed 18 errors and Costa Rica 19.

Melanie Parra and Uxue Guereca led Mexico with 12 and 11 points respectively; Esther Castro and Natalie Nava chipped in with 8 points apiece. Susan Alpizar scored 6 points for Costa Rica.

Mexico faces Dominican Republic for pool B top spot and Costa Rica meets Honduras to resume pool-play.

Joseline Landeros libero of Mexico: “We were strong and consistent, our game lever was superior. I believe that our serves were our best feature in the second set; it was directed in a way that Costa Rica had no possibilities to react. Against Dominican Republic we are planning to give our best; they are stronger and taller than us, but we have to be intelligent”.

Luis Alberto León head coach of Mexico: “We were expecting to win in straight sets; I am really glad with my player’s respond to the long day after so many delays, the kept with good spirit. This was the result we were aiming for, now we must rest to face Dominican Republic. My players have a good attitude”.

Andrés López head coach of Costa Rica: “We expected to do better, it was a good first set, we fought strong in the third, but I tried to transmit to my team that Mexico is similar to us physically speaking, in height too, but it was shown that they are more competitive than us. My girls are really good in our national league and Mexico dominated us with serves. Costa Rica should be able to compete neck to neck with Mexico but we need to improve our league or our preparation, have more preparation matches for these events. Yesterday against Dominican Republic we had one good set because we are growing along the way, but we need to play more against these competitive teams to improve. My experienced players came off short but it’s part because our inexperience at international level”.