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Venezuela earns a spot in the Pan Am quarterfinals

 

   

RENO, USA (Aug. 14, 2015) – Venezuela assured itself a spot in the quarterfinals with a 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, 25-17 win over Mexico on Friday at the Pan American Cup at the Reno Events Center.

 

The victory assures Venezuela (2-1) of a spot in at least the quarterfinals, which will be played on Saturday. Mexico (0-3) will play for 5th-8th place starting on Sunday.

 

Almost every player on Venezuela’s roster started at least one set as it led Mexico in spikes (51-40), blocks (9-8) and aces (6-1). Venezuela’s hitting percentage was .314 as compared to Mexico’s .186. At times, Mexico’s emotions got the better of the young team, which caused mistakes.

 

Opposite Emerson Rodriguez led Venezuela with 11 points on 10 spikes and one ace. Outside hitter Willner Ricas and middle blocker Ivan Maquez each added 10 points.

 

Mexico was paced by opposite Daniel Vargas with 12 points 10 spikes and two blocks. Opposite Ivan Marquez had match-high four blocks.

 

Venezuela Coach Vicenzo Nacci
“Today we had to win to come in second place in our group.I wanted to use all of our players to get to have them ready when the moment comes. Tomorrow is a very important game so we’ll see how it works out. This match gives us more confidence to win a medal.”

 

Venezuela Captain Kervin Pinerua
“It was a good match and I’m happy used all of our players in preparation for the quarterfinals,” “I’m really happy with the way the younger players handled their responsibilities. We’re getting better every day.”

 

Mexico Coach Juan Roberto Vilches
“We’re children playing volleyball,” “We killed ourselves with losing our concentration in the match. The level of play went down, started arguing amongst ourselves, we’re coaches not magicians. If the athlete doesn’t give 100 percent the coach cannot get it out of him on the court.”

 

Mexico Captain Daniel Vargas
“We started well in the beginning but then we went down in the quality of our game. This is all a reflection of what we didn’t back home. We didn’t prepare well. There are more games to be played so I expect the attitude to improve.”