United States beats Mexico in NORCECA pool B

 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 9, 2019.- United States beat Mexico in straight sets 25-8, 25-15, 25-14 in pool B at the NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

United States, No. 2 in the world and already qualified to Tokyo 2020, improves 2-0 to resume pool B up against Dominican Republic on Thursday. Pool winner advances directly in to Saturday’s semifinals while second and third play crossover in quarterfinals.

 

The U.S. downed Mexico with huge 47-16 margin in kills and 9-2 in aces; Mexico did better in blocking with 7-5 advantage. United States scored on 14 opponent errors against 12.

 

In the U.S. victory, middle blocker Haleigh Washington scored a match-high of 11 points with 9 kills and 2 blocks, joined by opposite Andrea Drews with 9 points on 7 kills and 2 blocks, and outside hitter Michelle Bartsch-Hackley scored 9 points on 6 kills and 3 aces. Andrea Rangel topped Mexico with 10 points on 8 kills and 2 blocks.

 

The NORCECA Women’s Championship is being streamed on NORCECA TV www.internetv.tv

 

Haleigh Washington, middle blocker United States: “Speed is something that we take pride in and in our gym and I think we really pushed that, it was a good match. We expect to push our speed up, our good read blocking skills and putting our service pressure, something U.S. volleyball really tries to accomplish. We have been enjoying the tournament, we have cheers for every play, jumping and dancing, it’s a good way to stay warm and with energy for the match. As a team we were really good in fill in our roles and personally I like to bring a fun energy, I was loose and we had a good night. Against Dominican Republic it will be very competitive; they are very strong, with great players and heavy hitters, but us as well; we are all looking forward to it”.

 

Karch Kiraly, Head Coach of United States: “Our team did a nice job in taking care of their side of the net again, all 14 of our players. We are keeping everybody fresh and ready for a match against Dominican Republic tomorrow, they’ve been in the top 10 of the world for quite a number of years, they were already good and they are better this year; it will be a great battle”.

 

Andrea Rangel, captain of Mexico: “Comparing yesterday’s match, their serves really struck us, we had difficulties in setting, which meant not developing our game. We are bringing young players and as a team there is only learning. Tomorrow we must beat Trinidad and Tobago to move into quarterfinals and then reach our next goal of playing the Olympic qualifier”.

 

Gabriela Alarcon, Head Coach of Mexico: “We advanced a lot from yesterday. We are testing ourselves as a team, we had little time to prepare and I think we improved the dynamic of the game, there was more depth, and we had more initiative. We’re not far from the quarterfinals and if we keep the rhythm we can win a spot in the Olympic qualifier”