NOGALES, Mexico, June 11, 2024 – Mexico started off the NORCECA U21 Men’s Continental Championship with a straight-set victory, 25-21, 25-16, 25-14, over Suriname on Tuesday in Nogales, Mexico.
Mexico’s (1-0) next opponent in pool A is Nicaragua (0-1). Suriname (0-1) will face the United States (1-0).
The host team, Mexico, dominated in every skill of the game; they had a significant lead in blocks (12-5), attacks (38-25), and aces (5-1). Both teams were tied in errors (20-20).
Mexican opposite hitter Cristian Cadena led all scorers of the match with 13 points (11 attacks, 2 blocks, one ace). Outside hitter Samuel Valdes scored 9 points.
Suriname’s team captain, Anfernee Lee, finished with 9 points.
Mexico started slowly but gained momentum, managing to contain Suriname starting in the second set. In the first set, the teams were tied at 14 points and matched in all game aspects (12 attacks, 4 blocks, 1 ace). In the third set, Mexico quickly jumped to an eight-point lead (10-8), comfortably sealing their first victory.
Bladimir Rivera, captain of Mexico, said: “We started a bit nervous due to our international debut. We adapted well to the environment, improved as the match progressed, and managed to overcome Suriname’s height advantage (in that aspect, they handled it very well). I believe our greatest strength is our counterattack; when they give us a free ball, we don’t hesitate to hit hard and go for the direct point.”
Anfernee Lee, captain of Suriname said: “Mexico is a very good team. At the beginning of the match, we were doing our best and they proved they are a better team. We had some good points. I think generally speaking we have to get climatized to the court and work a lot in the morning practice”.
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