XALAPA, Mexico, September 8, 2024. – Peru won the match for fifth place in the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup after defeating Costa Rica in straight sets (25-15, 25-21, 25-20) on Sunday at the International Velodrome in Xalapa, Veracruz.
Peru finished with a 4-2 record for fifth place. Costa Rica secured sixth place with a 1-4 record.
The South Americans led in attacks (49-34) and aces (7-1). Costa Rica had a slight advantage in blocks (4-3) and committed one fewer unforced error (16-17).
Peruvian opposite hitter Jeissy Chia was the top scorer of the match with 17 points (12 attacks, 2 blocks, 3 aces). Katherine Pauro also contributed to the victory with 15 attack points, and Xina Cortéz added 14 points (13 attacks, one ace).
Costa Rican captain Ana Victoria Rojas led her team with 13 points (11 attacks, 2 blocks), followed by Krystel Vargas with 11 points (10 attacks, one ace).
Peru dominated the first set, but in the following two sets, Costa Rica stayed close, trailing by just one or two points, challenging Peru with longer rallies and effective blocking.
Katherine Pauro, outside hitter of Peru: “We dominated the first set well because we had better coordination in defense and much more speed. We showed that we are a team that fights hard, never gives up, and the matches we lost were very close”.
Ana Victoria Rojas, captain of Costa Rica: “From the second set on, we focused a bit more and were more organized. I think in the first set we were too anxious to do everything right. Despite several days of intense competition, we performed well. Today we made quite a few blocks. What I liked is that as the tournament progressed, we improved each day individually and as a team. We are leaving with great growth and a strong desire to learn much more”.
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