Russia's attack and blocks were too strong for shorter Mexico
Verona, Italy, September 24, 2014 – Taller Russia beat a spirited Mexico in three sets (25-17, 25-22, 25-13) in Pool C at the FIVB Women’s World Championship at PalaOlimpia on Wednesday.
Key points:
•Russia and Mexico met for only the second time at the World Championship and Russia have now won on both occasions
•The first time was in 2006 and it was also a straight sets win for the European side
•The North Americans are yet to win a set at the FIVB Women’s World Championships Italy 2014
Regina Moroz was the top scorer on the Russian team with 13 points, while Andrea Rangel confirmed her value on the Mexican side with a total of 11 points scored.
Two aces by setter Evgenija Startseva gave Russia an immediate advantage in the first set and the European team reached the first technical time out leading 8-3.
The North Americans had too many errors both in defense and attack, while opposite hitter Ekaterina Gamova blocked effectively against a noticeably shorter Mexican team.
Regardless the attempts of coach Jorge Miguel Azair to encourage the players, the Russians closed the set 25-17.
As Mexico regrouped, the second set started in a more balanced way, with a long series of point-by-point rallies. Russia had a few serving errors that gave Mexico some leeway, but the two teams maintained a close distance.
The North Americans fought for each ball and displayed some exciting saves, but Russia finally secured their lead and closed the set 25-22.
The third set started balanced too, but Russia attacked aggressively to gain a two-point lead. Regina Moroz was the most effective hitter in this set with seven successful spikes that helped her side seal the set 25-17, while earning three more points at this Worls Championship.
Russia will clash against Kazakhstan and Mexico will play against Thailand on Thursday.