TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 14, 2024. – Mexico won the opening match of the NORCECA U19 Girls Continental Championship, which began in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with a straight-set victory, 3-0 (25-19, 28-26, 25-18) over the Dominican Republic.
In the first match of pool B, Mexico outperformed Dominican Republic 44-26 in attacks, 7-5 in blocks, and 5-4 in serves. The Dominican Republic committed fewer errors (22-28).
Opposite hitter Aylin Ravell led Mexico with 17 points (14 attacks, one block, 2 aces), followed by outside hitter Naomi Cruz with 16 points (14 attacks, 2 blocks) and outside hitter Angélica Torres with 11 points (9 attacks, 2 aces).
Julie Arias was the top scorer for Dominican Republic with 13 points, all on attacks.
On the second day of competition, Mexico will face Costa Rica at 2:00 PM, and the Dominican Republic will play against Honduras at 8:00 PM.
Mexico started a bit slow, with the Dominicans taking an early 3-0 lead in the first set, but Mexico stabilized and closed with a comfortable 25-19 advantage. Mexico imposed their game, reaching 21-18 when three consecutive points from Julie Arias and a precise block from Caroline Rodríguez gave the Dominican Republic a boost. They battled point by point until Mexico continued with the lead. Aylin Ravell and Naomi Cruz led Mexico’s offense to secure the victory in straight sets.
Isabella Ocampo, captain of Mexico: “It was hard for us to start; there were some nerves because it was the first time the team was competing together. We managed to neutralize the Dominican Republic with our strong serves, which helped us control our attack better”.
Yalyn Firpo, captain of the Dominican Republic: “I think everything was a consequence of our attitude. We are a team that sometimes gives up a little when we are behind in the score. Our spirits dropped a lot, and that greatly influenced our performance. I think our blocking was dominant.”
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