USA – U18
The opening ceremony featured a parade of competing teams, an athletes’ oath by Mexico captain Ivonne Martínez and referee oath by Maria del Carmen Durán – also from Mexico. A traditional Mexican dance performance was presented by the Xochipilli Folk Ballet as part of a cultural celebration marking of the return of international volleyball to Baja, California.
Local authorities, NORCECA vice-president Glenn Quinland, and general manager and Control Committee president Nelson Ramírez were among the guests at the opening ceremony. Quinlan and Ramirez represented NORCECA president and FIVB first executive vice-president Cristobal Marte Hoffiz.
The official declaration at the opening ceremony was made by Baja California Sports and Physical Culture Institute (INDE) sports development director Cesar Osuna Brambila on behalf of the local organising committee and INDE’s general director, Saul Castro Verdugo.
Also, on behalf of the Mayor of Tijuana, Carlos Bustamante Anchondo, the municipal sports director, Daniel Corona, welcomed the attendants and the competing teams.
USA’s Carli Snyder was the day’s top scorer with 12 points as her side saw off Costa Rica in straight sets (25-15, 25-11, 25-10).
“I am very happy with the opportunity to play this first international experience,” American captain Taylor Tashima said. “We played well and now expect to play stronger against Guatemala.”
Puerto Rico defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 (25-7, 25-7, 25-8) to clinch their first victory in Pool B with Julymar Otero and Nanishka Pérez scoring 11 and 10 points respectively for the victors.
México saw off Guatemala in straight sets (25-13, 25-9, 25-12) in the day’s final match, Fernanda Bañuelosa and Diana Valdez registering 10 points apiece, while captain Ivonne Martínez recorded four aces.
