PONCE, PUERTO RICO, August 6, 2023.- Argentina defeats Mexico in consecutive sets (25-20, 25-19, 25-18) on the first day of competition of the XX Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce.
Argentina’s blocking was very effective at the net to stop the Mexican offense. Argentina dominated in attacks, 42-33, to Mexico; in blocks, 10-2, and 4-2 in aces.
Mexico had its best moment of the game in the third set, dominating the first technical timeout, 8-5. From then on, Argentina returned to the field to close the game and get their first win.
Opposite Bianca Cugno was the best scorer for Argentina with 20 points (19 attacks, 1 blocks); Outside Hitter Yamila Nizetich with 12 points (9 attacks, 1 blocks, 2 aces); and middle blocker Candelaria Herrera with eight points (5 attacks).
María Fernanda Rodríguez was the best scorer from México with nine points, all in attacks; Karen Rivera with six points (6 attacks); and Aime Margarita Topete with six points (5 attacks, one block).
Argentina will play tomorrow against the host, Puerto Rico, at 8:00 p.m., and Mexico has the day off.
Nicola Negro, Coach of Mexico: “The result is clearly not positive. Positive are the first two sets that we clashed and the first part of the third set. We have players playing out of position, not their natural position. We played an orderly game. We lacked attack. Now we rest to prepare for Puerto Rico on Tuesday.”
Daniel Jorge Castellani, Coach of Argentina: “Very happy with the victory. There was a bit of nerves at the start of the game, like every first game in a competition, and then we saw the work they did. I really liked the offense. There was a lot of offense.”
Victoria Mayer, Captain of Argentina: “It was a great victory against Mexico. We are a team of young players with others who have more experience. We are very happy to start this Cup with a victory”.
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