The United States couldn’t find a way to close out its tournament opener.
Mexico rallied from a two-game deficit as it defeated the United States 22-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-22, 15-11 at the NORCECA Final Six on Monday in Puerto Rico.
Mexico in the decisive fifth game scored the first three points and went on a 8-3 run to open the game. In addition, the United States committed five attack errors – four more than Mexico – and was limited to match-low .059 attack percentage in the final game of Mexico’s comeback win.
Setter Luis Alberto Ordonez coming off the bench guided the Mexico offense in the final three games to a .455 attack percentage and a combined three attack errors.
This offensive performance came after the United States en route to taking a two-game lead held Mexico to a .018 attack percentage in the first two games. Mexico for the match out-hit the United States .254 to .227.
UC San Diego pin-hitter Sebastiano Sani in the loss had a team-high 18 kills, including having nine kills in the first two games. Hawai’i opposite Kainoa Wade also had 13 kills on a .325 attack percentage, while Ball State outside attacker Patrick Rogers added 11 kills.
Mexico pin-hitter Ridl Alexis Garay led all players with 19 kills and had a game-high four kills in the fifth game.
This was the first of five preliminary matches for the United States at this international tournament. The top two teams at the end of the preliminary round will advance to the gold medal match.
The United States will continue the preliminary round with a match against Canada on Tuesday.
Canada swept Suriname in its tournament opener on Monday.