Mexico makes progress in Pool H: 2011 FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship - Volleyball
Coach Victor Garcia and the Mexican squad are going strong in Pool H as they added a second win to their tally yesterday. Mexico defeated Puerto Rico in the first match of the second round in straight sets and remained remarkably consistent against Algeria
in the next match on Wednesday, August 17. The Mexican squad cruised past to a 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, and 25-15) victory over Algeria in 67 minutes. Ankara Sports Hall hosted the match in the evening. At the end of second-day, Mexico improved to the overall score
of 2-0 in Pool H and earned the right to play for positions from 9 to 12.
Mexico was playing in the match with one victory in hand but the Algerians were yet to prove their endeavours. Mexico gained early dominance over Algeria and scored quick points in first set. Top scoring-machine, Alejandra Isidoria, showed no mercy and hit
every shot with full power of her forearms. Meanwhile, Algeria also suffered the set-back due to reception errors. As a result, Mexico comfortably moved to a lead of five points, 16-11. Celia Bourihane of Algeria struggled to bring her team in competition
with Mexico but it didn’t happen anyway. Mexico sealed first-set win by posting 25-16 on board.
Winner of the opening set, Mexico gained more confidence in the next set and built a lead of 8-4 at the first technical timeout. The duo of Isidoria and Lizbeth Sainz led the scores and put Mexico in a 12-6 lead at the second mandatory stop. The fine combination
of spikes and blocks enabled Mexico to extend its lead to 2-0. Algeria dropped second set with 7-point margin, 18-25.
Algeria came under pressure as the Mexican came in to form to take the win
''Algeria is a good team. I see lots of good points in Algeria team during this match. I want to see them in other tournaments too .We win today because we prepared well. We want to finish this tournament in first 10. Our performance is improving from one
game to another,'' said Mexican Head Coach, Victor Garcia. As the captain of the team Mexico, Alicia Garcia, described the match against Algeria as part of their warm-up to face tough rival Italy in the near fixture. She expressed hope that her side will do
better against Italy.
Algerian mentor, Karim Imedjdab, congratulated Mexico for their great performance and victory in the match. He accepted the fact Algeria played very badly and couldn’t succeed in the match. However, he stated: ''It’s a tournament where we are trying to improve
ourselves for future. We will prepare for other matches.'' Captain Celia Bourihane had her say too and commented that Mexico played better and deserved to win.
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