Mexico to play for fifth place at NORCECA

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 12, 2019.- Mexico swept Costa Rica 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-17) to play for fifth place at the NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship being held at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Mexico will face the winner between Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago in the match for fifth place and for the last available spot to play the NORCECA Olympic qualifier next January in Dominican Republic. Costa Rica plays for seventh place.

Mexico had a small scare in the third set coming from behind 0-4 after losing focus; finally just as they started, they finished strong on 39-19 huge margin in kills and 13-2 in aces. The winners also led by a slim 7-6 advantage in blocks and committed one less error (15-16) than Costa Rica.

Outside hitters led Mexico’s offense, with top scorer Grecia Castro with 14 points on 8 kills, 2 blocks and 4 aces, followed Sirenia Gonez with 10 points on 8 kills and 2 blocks. Opposite player Andrea Rangel joined in alongside middle blocker Alondra Amaro with 9 points apiece. Costa Rica’s leading scorer was outside hitter Tamara Espinoza with 9 points.

Grecia Castro, leading scorer of Mexico: “This wasn’t as demanding as last night’s match, so we were too relaxed, adding to the fact that we thought we could beat them. We could have played better and the scores could have been higher on our side. The victory is motivating to push for fifth place and to qualify for January, playing strong like we usually do, with energy and never giving up, fighting for every point”.

María Sofía Arroyo, outside hitter of Costa Rica: “In the third set we had better attitude, we were aware we could do more, we were more confident and performing with higher energy; we kept a better rhythm. Our team is very young and we are still developing; our reception has improved from the first match and with every game improving has been easier”.