Mexico to Compete for Fifth Place After Defeating Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 31, 2024. – Mexico defeated Guatemala 3-0 (25-6, 25-11, 25-17) and will compete for the fifth place in the Girls U17  Pan American Cup in Guatemala City.

Following a decisive victory against the host country, Mexico will face the winner between Cuba and Costa Rica on Saturday for fifth place.

Mexico used its strength to secure the win with a significant advantage of 41-12 in attack points, 6-1 in blocks, and 9-3 in points from serves. Both teams were similar in errors, with Mexico committing 18 and Guatemala 19.

Mexico's team captain, Aitana Rettke, scored a match-high of 15 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Middle blocker Cyntia Palomo added 11 points on 8 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Outside hitter Karen González finished with 10 points on 8 attacks and two aces.

Mexican outside hitter Karen González commented that what she liked the most was her team's spiking “we played united and gave it our all, plus we had a great attitude”. Regarding tomorrow's match, she added, “we hope to win and dominate”.

Guatemalan setter Katherine Vaughn expressed that her team started at a low level but improved in the last set, “unfortunately, we didn’t play well, but we are satisfied with what we did in the third set”. She hopes her team will have a better attitude and end the tournament with a win in tomorrow’s match.