ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, July 10, 2025 .– Brazil defeated Mexico 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-15, 25-15) in the second match of Pool B in the women’s volleyball tournament at the II Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025, held at the Arena COP.
At the start, both teams traded points in long rallies until Brazil pulled ahead thanks to the attack and serving of Jaqueline Schmitz, creating a gap to take the first set.
Mexico responded in the second set, building an 11-8 lead with standout performances from Andrea Felix and Arleth Márquez. With Marcela Herrera joining the offense and capitalizing on Brazil’s errors, the Mexicans tied the match.
Brazil regained control in the third set with an effective offense led by Lívia dos Santos. With a 10-4 lead, the South Americans dominated the game while Mexico’s errors made closing the set easier. In the fourth set, Brazil maintained consistency, led by Ana Luiza Rüdiger and Gabi Carneiro.
Blocking was key to Brazil’s victory, with a 13-6 advantage, along with superiority in attacks (53-42). Both teams scored 5 aces. Brazil gave away 20 points on errors, while Mexico conceded 25.
Ana Luiza Rüdiger was the top scorer with 15 points. Lívia dos Santos added 14 and Maria Clara de Moura contributed 12. For Mexico, Andrea Felix was the only player in double digits, with 14 points.
Letizia, Brazil’s libero, explained: “We were nervous going into the game, which is normal for the first match, and we were distracted. During the match, we were able to focus and put our minds into the game. Things went much better in the fourth set.”
Brazil’s coach, Marcos Pinheiro, said: “We have a lot of respect for Mexico. In their last competition they finished third after a very tough semifinal. Today, the first sets were a game of stars; nerves were running high. We handled the first set very well, but in the second, a change in positions prevented us from executing our plan. We returned to our game plan in the last two sets, and things went well, especially in our reception.”
Mexico’s coach, Luis León, shared his thoughts: “When things didn’t work for us at certain times, Brazil took advantage, made adjustments, changed players, and it worked for them. At some point, Mexico didn’t manage to maintain the rhythm and composure, allowing Brazil to get a bigger lead. Physically and technically, Brazil has a good team.”
Next, Brazil (1-0) will face the Dominican Republic (1-0), while Mexico (0-1) will play Chile (0-1).
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