Mexico qualifies to FIVB Challenger Cup winning NORCECA Final Four

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. 

Match action Mexico vs Puerto Rico

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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