Venezuela defeats Mexico to claim first victory

CAÑETE, Peru, June 19, 2017 – Venezuela battled for five sets to get their first victory in Pool A of the XVI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by Movistar as they edged Mexico (25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-7) in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Lolo Fernandez Coliseum in Cañete, Peru,

Venezuela got the victory relying on the experience at the net by players like Maria Jose Perez with 17 points and Shirley Florian with 12. Mexico had a bigger collective attack with Andrea Rangel as top scorer with 22 points, followed by Patricia Valle with 15 and Jocelyn Urías and Dulce Carranza each with 12.

The anxiety and pressure to claim their first points in the standings played against Mexico as they committed 40 unforced errors while Venezuela reduce theirs to 29.

Desiree Glod, Captain of Venezuela: “What we needed was more game rhythm and I think tomorrow we will be better against Colombia. It won’t be easy but we will battle until the last point. We are moving forward step by step and this victory is a confidence builder to keep battling.”

Andrea Rangel, Captain of Mexico: “It was a well fought match and we thought was going to be easy. We lacked attitude entering the court and that gave life to the opponent. We arrived into the fifth set and then we started to commit more errors that we should not have to do. The experience of Venezuela was a difference but I feel we lacked heart on the court.”

Jhosvanny Chambers, Coach of Venezuela: “I think the key for us was the attitude and I also think that improving our reception we will have better chances of attacking and handling of the ball.”

Ricardo Naranjo, Coach of Mexico: “I am going satisfied because we really missed very few things to get the win. They did a great effort and minimized their errors. We grew up but need to consolidate some positive aspects. We leave with a bad taste but with some goals accomplished.”