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Mexico stuns United States

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 18, 2021 - Mexico secured its first ever medal at the Women's Volleyball Pan American Cup after a surprise 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19) win over three-time reigning champion United States in Saturday's first semifinal.

 

The highest position reached by the Mexican women in the 19-year history of the event was a fourth place in the inaugural tournament in 2002.

 

The first win ever after nine losses against United States, sent the Mexican squad into a gold medal match on Sunday against the winner of the other semi-final between Canada and host Dominican Republic.

 

Samantha Bricio and Maria Fernanda Rodríguez led Mexico with 19 and 17 points, respectively, followed by Grecia Castro and Karina Flores with 14 points apiece.

 

Danielle Cuttino finished with 21 points for United States, while Lindsay Stalzer and Symone Williams-Aboot each had 14 points in the losing effort.

 

Rafael Petry, coach of Mexico: "The United States is a well prepared team, but in today's game we played very well as a team and that was an important factor. For now we are going to enjoy the victory and tomorrow we are going after the gold."

 

Karch Kiraly, coach of the United States: "I have to give Mexico a big congratulations. They have been playing from less to more in this tournament. They were a better team than us today and they deserved the victory."