Mexico took down Honduras in opening day at U23 Pan American Cup

HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Mexico took down Honduras 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-14) on opening day of the fifth edition of the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo, Mexico.

Mexico started the first set jumping to an early 8-0 advantage. The host moved into the next two sets with overwhelming superiority against Honduras in their Pool B opening match.

Mexico held a huge 47 to 19 advantage in points from attacks as well as a 16-2 margin in points from serves. Honduras scored 2 points from blocks against one from Mexico. Both teams committed similar unforced errors, Honduras a total of 11 and Mexico 14.

Outside hitters Carla Esquer and Sofía Maldonado led Mexico with 13 and 10 points respectively. Middle blocker Arleth Marquez scored a match-high of 6 aces. Opposite hitter Rocío Duron topped Honduras with 10 points.

Mexico (1-0) will meet Costa Rica (0-1) on Wednesday and Honduras (0-1) against Argentina (1-0).

Luis Alberto León, coach of Mexico: “The pool we’re in is made to come from less to more, the level of play will be more demanding, and we will get into rhythm for the last matches. It’s always good to start with a win, and even more when it’s 3-0”.

Marvin Ulloa, coach of Honduras: “There were good frames during the game. This is a spectacle and in the second set we were one on one, it was nice. Unfortunately, we failed a lot, it’s fine when the opponent plays better than us but not thanks to our errors, it’s something we must improve on”.