USA win Norceca battle over Mexico, while Cuba lose to Belgium

VERONA and BARI, Italy, September 23, 2104 - The United States opened with a victory against Mexico in the first battle between Norceca teams at the FIVB Women’s World Championship, while Cuba lost against Belgium.

In Verona, the American squad defeated Mexico 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-14) after a suprising first set by the Mexican team in Pool C. Tetori Dixon registered 15 points, as well as Kimberly Hill. Nicole Fawcett scored 14, while Kelsey Robinson closed with 11 and Rachael Adams with 10 for the USA.

On the Mexican side, captain Andrea Rangel scored 20 points and Claudia Rios tallied 14 after 1 hour and 55 minutes of action.

Belgium 3-0 Cuba

At the Palaflorio of Bari, Cuba lost in straight sets against Belgium when both teams made their debut in Pool D. Scores were 25-15, 25-12 and 25-16 in favor of Belgium, whose best spiker was Laura Heyrman, who tallied 14 points, followed by Lise Van Hecke and Els Vandesteene, who finished with 11 apiece, while captain Charlotte Leys closed with 10.

On the Cuban side, Melissa Vargas scored 15 points and Sulian Matienzo 8. Belgium converted 10 points by blocking against only 3 by Cuba. The Europeans also grabbed a 9-1 ace advantage after 1 hour and 13 minutes of game.