NOGALES, Sonora, June 19, 2022.- Mexico qualified to the 2023 FIVB Challenger Cup winning the NORCECA Women’s Final Four defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) on Sunday at Nogales, Sonora.
Mexico concluded the event with a perfect 3-0 record and 15 points, Cuba (2-1) finished in second place with 10 points and Puerto Rico (1-2) third place with 5 points.
Mexico held a 38-33 advantage in kills, a 9-7 margin in blocks and a slim 2-1 in serves. Mexico scored on 26 errors of Puerto Rico and handed out 19.
Middle blocker Karina Flores led Mexico’s offensive with 14 points, leading with 6 blocks, followed by outside hitter Samantha Bricio with 10 points and outside hitter Sofía Maldonado added 9 points.
Two players scored double-digits for Puerto Rico, outside hitter and team captain Sofía Victoria with 14 points and outside hitter Valeria Vazquez with 11 points.
Karina Flores, Top scorer of Mexico: “At the beginning we were measuring the ground, on hold and that’s why it was a bit slow. We adjusted, started the race and won. Our coach has a clear objective and has coached us well in winning. The Challenger Cup is a great challenge and we will be committed to prepare ourselves. Mexico’s strength was team work”.
Rafael Petry, Head Coach of Mexico: “The team reached the objective, they are starting to compete at a higher level and not only participating. They worked under pressure because it was practically a final, it’s good for them to do so and reach the result. We will continue with serious work to compete at the Challenger Cup and not go only to participate”.
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