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DURANGO, Mexico, September 22,
2021 - Defending champion United States and
Mexico claimed their first tournament victories
at the FIVB U18 World Championship, both in
straight sets. United States in Pool C was
challenged by Thailand while Mexico in Pool A
earned an easy win against Canada.
United States v Thailand (25-18, 25-20,
25-23)
The U.S. based their offense scoring with a
considerable seven points against two on strong
serves as Thailand challenged them in the
closing third set. USA also held advantage in
the blocking category (seven against four) and
scored more points on attacking that Thailand
(43-30). Thailand benefited from 25 U.S.
unforced errors and handed out 18 points.
Outside hitter McKenna Wucherer with 16 points,
led the winning side, followed by middle blocker
Margaret Mendelson with 13 points on 11 kills
and 2 blocks, while captain Rebeckah Allick
added 10 points. Outside hitter Harper Murray
led the U.S. serves with four aces from their
seven total. On Thailands' side, outside hitters
Ampha Sonsurat and Donphon Sinpho (captain) led
with 13 points each.
“This was a really good starting point for us,
it’s the beginning of a longer journey and there
are definitely things to work on” indicated
Jamie Morrison, head coach for USA, “Thailand
plays with a different spirit than any other
team in the world” he added.
On Wednesday USA goes head to head against
Romania, the other undefeated team in Pool C,
Thailand has the day off while Puerto Rico was
scheduled to play Nigeria who were unable to
assist the tournament.
Mexico stormed past Canada from start to finish.
In the first set, the home team quickly jumped
to a 12-6 lead gaining confidence as the match
developed. In set two, Mexico was too much for
Canada leading 10-3 and finishing with an
overwhelming 25-7 set win. Canada was more
settled in the last set, edging Mexico that lost
four-match points before sealing their victory.
Mexico v Canada 3-0 (25-18, 25-7, 25-22)
Mexico outnumbered Canada by a huge 43-22 margin
in attacks and scoring on 23 opponent errors
against 19. The winners also did better in
blocking (6-2) while Canada scored on a slim
four-three serving advantage.
Mexican outside hitter Aime Margarita Topete
scored a match-high of 17 points on 16 kills and
one block, joined by opposite hitter Leah
Palmira Linares with eleven points on 8 kills,
two blocks and one ace. Outside hitter Tara
Garvey topped Canada’s scorers with ten points
on six kills and four aces. |
