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DURANGO, Mexico, August 20, 2021. - Mexico
defeated Canada 3-0 (25-21, 28-26, 25-21) to top
pool A and move into the semifinals of the Men’s
NORCECA Continental Championship in Durango,
Mexico.
Mexico moved into Sunday’s semifinals undefeated
and Canada finished third place in pool A to
play the quarterfinals against United States,
who lost to Cuba and finished second of pool B.
The home team was better in blocking 9-4 and
serves 3-1, while Canada held 39-30 advantage in
attacks. Mexico scored on 36 opponent errors
while allowing 24.
Opposite Diego González was Mexico’s leading
scorer with 13 points, followed by outside
hitter Josué López who scored 9 points. Canada’s
opposite Xander Ketrzynski scored 16 points and
outside hitter Brandon Koppers contributed with
10 points.
Pedro Rangel, Captain of Mexico: “We reached the
first goal; the guys continue to respond well
and focused. We were prepared for Canada to come
out with everything they have, looking to win.
They came from less to better and pushed hard,
we failed in serves but we were able to receive
well and that made the difference”.
Jorge Azair, Coach of Mexico: “My boys showed
they are capable, they’ve been patient while
performing, these are hard matches and despite
their young age they play with maturity. The
tournament is even and what’s important now is
that we did the first step”.
Larry McKay, Coach of Canada: “Mexico’s serving
was better than ours, they were good in other
areas but the serves were key. We need to
improve everywhere, especially our service that
will be key to face the United States in
quarterfinals. |
