Mexico wins semi in five set to advance

KINGSTON, Ontario, June 27, 2025.-  Mexico outlasted Canada today to win their semifinal at the Girls’ U19 Pan American Cup in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

It was a thrilling, back-and-forth five sets 3-2 (19-25, 25-19, 24-26, 25-16, 15-10).

Mexico led in attack points 55-52, and dominated from the service line 13-5. Canada had the blocking advantage (14-13).

Ignacio Ramirez, Head Coach, Mexico, said; "It was a very tough match from the beginning. We were able to take advantage of the opportunities that the Canadian team gave us. We had a bad set that we practically had won, but the girls recovered in the fourth and fifth sets to achieve this much-desired victory."

Mexico’s Naomi Cruz led her team in scoring with 23 points (which included 3 blocks and two aces).

Canada’s Emerson Matthews led the home team with 19 points.

Canada’s Head Coach Gina Schmidt sums up her team’s effort: “We did a good job of executing our game plan early in the match. They made some adjustments, and I give credit to Mexico for doing that. Then it took us too long to adapt to what they adjusted to.  They fought hard. We needed to execute better on our side, offensively and in serve receive. They were serving some tough, deep serves and that got us out of our rhythm a bit as well.”

Mexico plays for gold vs. USA and Canada plays for bronze vs. Dominican Republic.

Action continues and medal matches will be held on Saturday, June 28 at the Queen’s University Athletic and Recreation Centre.