Perú Wins Pool A Undefeated

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 29, 2024,- Peru won Pool A undefeated after defeating Mexico 3-1 (25-22, 29-27, 21-25, 25-22) at the Girls’ U17 Pan American Cup on Wednesday in Guatemala City.

Peru ended pool-play with a 2-0 record and advanced to Friday’s semifinals. Mexico, with a 1-2 record, awaits the result between the Dominican Republic and Cuba to determine their final position in Pool A.

Despite Mexico leading in attacks (56-54) and blocks (12-9), Peru secured the victory by committing fewer errors (25-32) and an advantage in aces (5-3).

Peru’s team captain, Ariana Vásquez, led all scorers with 19 points (17 attacks, two serves). Outside hitter Gianella Chanca contributed 15 points (13 attacks, one block, one serve), and middle blocker Camila Monge scored 13 points (12 attacks, one block).

Outside hitter Karen González led Mexico with 17 points (14 attacks, two blocks, one serve). Middle blocker Kiara Ramírez recorded a match-high of six blocks of her 16 points. Captain Aitana Rettke added 15 points (14 attacks, one serve).

Mexico trailed the entire first set, unable to stop Peru’s offense. The Peruvians, coming from behind, won a dramatic second set after both teams lost two set points. Mexico managed to extend the match, jumping to an early five-point lead in the third set. Despite sharing the lead in the fourth set, Peru clinched the victory with fewer errors.

Gianella Chanca, Peru’s outside hitter, said it was a very demanding match, “Mexico pressured us in every set”. She indicated that it was a beautiful game despite the pressure and anxiety on the court for both teams, “we made a great effort as a team; the second set was very tough, but we are following Professor Rizola’s instructions, who talks to us about responsibility both on and off the court. We are doing it to the letter and doing our job well”.

Mexico’s coach, Ignacio Sánchez Palmeros, expressed, “after yesterday’s loss, we aimed to regain the players’ confidence. We used different players and had a good match”.  Regarding the loss, he indicated, “I believe the team lacks maturity, but we will give it our all in the rest of the competition; we are aiming for more matches and more experience”.