PUEBLA, Mexico, July 27, 2025 – An intense five-set match took place tonight at a BUAP Arena full ofMexican fans. The home team was motivated and took the lead in the first set, but Puerto Rico found motivation and national pride, rallying and securing victory with a score of 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 15-9).
The small point difference between the two teams was in blocking and serving. Puerto Rico made 15 effective blocks, compared to 10 for the Mexican team. In aces, Puerto Rico scored 6, while Mexico only 2. In attacks, both teams were consistent and scored a similar number of points, with a difference of 1, for a total of 51 for Mexico and 52 for Puerto Rico.
For Puerto Rico, captain Pedro Molina was crucial in the victory, scoring 17 points, 11 attacks, 1 block, and 5 service aces. Outside hitter Pelegrin Vargas contributed 16 points, 14 attacks, and 2 blocks.
For Mexico, the game was shared among four powerful hitters: Garay, Aguirre, Fuentes, and Rodríguez. Opposite Alexis Garay produced spectacular attacks in key spots that motivated his team, scoring 14 points, 12 on kills, 1 serve, and 1 block. Outside hitter Oziel Aguirre also contributed 14 points, all on kills.
Mexican center Axel Rodríguez excelled in blocking, with 7 points, bringing the home team’s total to 13. Captain Mauro Fuentes scored 13 points, 12 on offense and 1 on block.
Puerto Rico coach Alberto J. Torres commented: “We’re very happy. The team showed great maturity. Playing in Mexico is very difficult. The fans are spectacular, and that caused the guys a bit of anxiety, but they knew how to overcome it.
We’ve been working on a program, and this result helps solidify what we’re doing. I think Pedro Molina’s maturity and the serves he made in the fourth set were commendable because that was the motivation the team needed.”
Mexican coach Carlos Eduardo Schwanke shared: “I’m happy, although a little disappointed with the ending because we started very well, playing at a great pace, but I think they also felt the pressure of playing at home and without having played any previous preparation matches for this tournament.
This is part of a fairly long process, because we’re preparing a team that will be a winner in no time.
As this is the first event with this coaching staff, I’m satisfied. We realize there are many players with great potential. We need to integrate some who are recovering from injuries, but I think it’s a good team.”
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