Mexico came out on top Chile for the Bronze Medal

XALAPA, Mexico, September 8, 2024.- Mexico came out on top Chile 3-1 (20-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-13) to win the Bronze Medal at the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup in the Xalapa International Velodrome, Veracruz.

This is Mexico’s first bronze medal in the history of the Cup, adding to their two silver medals (2021, 2023). Mexico finished in third place in the event with a 4-1 record, while Chile ended in fourth place with a 2-4 record.

Mexico’s offense was crucial for the victory, with a 55-29 advantage over Chile. The South Americans led in blocking 13-9 and made fewer unforced errors, 25 against 28. Both teams scored 6 service points.

Seven players scored in double digits. For Mexico, Michelle Lizárraga (16), Marcela Herrera (14), María Ximena Cruz (12), Arleth Márquez (12), and María Fernanda Oregel (10). For Chile, Dominga Aylwin (15) and Petra Schwartzman (11). Chilean María Ignacia Nielsen scored a match-high of 7 blocks.

Chile rallied from a three-point deficit (9-12) to take the lead (19-15) with effective serves by Francisca Vásquez. Dominga Aylwin and Petra Schwartzman joined the offense to secure the first set. Mexico jumped to a five-point lead in the second set (12-7) with attacks from Michelle Lizárraga, Marcela Herrera, and Ximena Cruz, but Chile, with blocks from María Ignacia Nielsen and attacks from Aylwin, recovered to tie the set at 23 points; Mexico evened the match with a point by Lizárraga. Mexico dominated the third set from the beginning, winning it by a huge margin, preventing Chile from responding thanks to a 4-1 advantage in blocking. Mexico’s attack was decisive in the fourth set, with Herrera as top performer, scoring points both from kills and blocking. Mexico’s captain Ximena Cruz scored the winning point.

Luis León, Head coach of Mexico: “We knew it was going to be tough, fighting for a medal with Chile after both teams had suffered a loss. We talked to the girls that the team that was better emotionally would have a better chance of winning. Chile pressured in the first set, and we lost focus, which cost us. We got back on track and are happy with the result”.

Ximena Cruz, captain of Mexico: “I’m very happy. It was hard to lose yesterday, but we managed to process it and came out strong to win the bronze medal today. I attribute the victory to our high spirits since the morning, knowing that the bronze medal would go to the team with the best attitude on the court”.