XALAPA, Mexico, September 3, 2024.- Mexico began the Women’s U-23 Pan American Cup with a convincing 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-13) victory over Suriname at the International Velodrome of Xalapa in Veracruz.
The hosts dominated every skill of the game, attacks (37-16), blocks (3-1), and service aces (11-1). Mexico committed 19 errors, while Suriname made 24.
On Wednesday in Pool B, at 4:00pm, Suriname (0-1) will face Peru (1-0), and at 8:00pm Mexico (1-0) goes against Nicaragua (0-1).
Mexico’s middle blocker and captain, María Ximena Cruz, was the top scorer of the match with 13 points (11 attacks, one block, one ace). Opposite hitter Arleth Marquez contributed to the victory with 9 points, while setter Jimena Salinas recorded a match-high 4 service aces.
Sharon Balkaran, Suriname’s captain, scored 8 points.
María Ximena Cruz, captain of Mexico: “This is the first international tournament for many on the team, and I feel that for a first match, it was a good start for us to loosen up as a team. We were a bit nervous; sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves because we want to do things right, especially playing in Mexico. I believe that with what we’re doing in training, we have what it takes to win a medal. We have much more to give.”
Sharon Balkaran, captain of Suriname: “I think we could have done better. I expected Mexico to be stronger and maybe we could have won this game. I have a positive mindset; it’s the beginning of the journey and it’s going to be fine. We must learn from our mistakes and regroup. I believe we can win a game or two”.
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