Mexico to battle Cuba at NORCECA U-20 Semifinal

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 11, 2014.- Mexico defeated Costa Rica 25-10, 25-12, 25-16 and will battle against Cuba on Saturday’s semifinal of the Women’s U-20 NORCECA Continental Championship at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium.

Mexico dominated Costa Rica with effectiveness over the net, as they hold control of the actions on their side of the court. Costa Rica had some good moments during the match with their defensive line performing well.

Mexico will face Cuba in their intentions to reach the final match as well as qualifying to the 2015 FIVB World Championship. Costa Rica will play against Guatemala to determine the fifth place on Sunday.

Mexican executed with 37-15 advantage in kills, 7-1 in blocking and 8-1 in aces. Both teams had similar number of unforced errors, Mexico with 21 and Costa Rica with 23.

Outside hitter Fernanda Guitron topped Mexico’s scorers with 11 points, including 2 aces; she was followed by opposite Fernanda Rodriguez with 7 points. For Costa Rica, outside hitters Tania Carazo scored 8 points and Monica Castro 6 points.

Mexican captain Fernanda Guitron said “we had some changes in our line up during the third set and we lost some of the control we had during the first two sets. In general, we were sturdy and we are looking forward to battle against Cuba”.

“We were well motivated but our blocking couldn’t perform well and our concentration improved until the third set. In tomorrow’s practice we’ll work on our reception and blocking to face Guatemala on Sunday” said captain Tatiana Sayles.

“Mexico executed well, our strategy had a positive result and we are excited to reach the semifinals against a strong team like Cuba, I believe my team has what it takes to compete. Our serves in the third set failed making the difference in the score plus Costa Rica’s good defense” said coach Luis Leon.

Coach Martin Rodriguez said to be satisfied with his team today “they played with courage despite our lack of preparation to face the high level performance of one of the top teams in NORCECA. In Costa Rica we need more government support to improve our volleyball”.