HERMOSILLO, Mexico, August 23, 2022.- Colombia stopped host Mexico 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-11) in pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup on Tuesday night at the Sonora Arena of Hermosillo.
Colombia won by comfortable margins in the first and second sets; but their impressive comeback of a five-point deficit (15-20) in the second set surprised Mexico who failed two set points (24-23 and 25-24).
Colombia’s strong 45-26 advantage in kills was to thank for their second straight win in pool B. Both teams scored 5 points from blocks and 2 from serves. Colombia benefited from 25 Mexican errors and committed 17.
Outside hitter Amanda Coneo led Colombia with 14 points on 13 kills and one block, middle blocker Darlevis Mosquera and opposite hitter Dayana Segovia contributed with 10 points each.
Outside hitter Samantha Bricio scored 12 points all on kills for Mexico and Grecia Castro added 7 points.
On Wednesday Colombia (2-0) will face Cuba (2-1) and Mexico (2-1) has the day off.
María Alejandra Marin, captain of Colombia: “It’s crucial to finish first in our pool and advance directly into semifinals. We had no connection in the second set, allowing Mexico to take advantage, nevertheless we came back quickly and executed our game plan. Our strength is our team’s unity to solve critical moments. Tomorrow, we face a tall Cuban block, and we must focus on our game to come out strong”.
Jocelyn Urías, captain of Mexico: “Colombia was more focused than us, we lacked connection and team communication. We will move forward; it’s our first loss and we will continue to work on beating Canada. Positive things of the match were our strong serves and defense”.
Antonio Rizola, head coach of Colombia: “The sets that we started with pressure in serves, blocks and defense, Mexico couldn’t catch up with us. In the second set we were behind six points, but with serenity, structure in our tactic and discipline we recovered up to point 20. Our group power is crucial”.
Rafael Petry, head coach of Mexico: “We lacked connection in our defense-counterattacking actions, our passing with receiving as well as we led the second set. Now we need patience”.
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