Russia Celebrate
Kseniia Ilchenko topped the scorers with 20 points for Russia while Lizbeth Sainz was the best scorer for Mexico with 18 points.
Despite of a hard-earned 2-1 set lead of their tough opponents from Mexico, the tall Russian athletes gained momentum in the fourth set (25-19) and never looked back.
Russia coach Svetlana Safronova: It was a terrible game today. I could not recognize my team. We made many mistakes. Finally, the decisive factor of the match was the substitution of some players.
Russia captain Elena Novik: It was a nervous match because it was our first match of the tournament. The win was the first step and it is very important for us.
Mexico coach Estanislao Vachino: It is simple. The game was very close and we had the chance to win. However, the mentality of my players was not good enough. We looked on the name of our rival and were afraid of Russia. I think our team can play on a high level but our mind-set remains a challenge.
Mexico captain Alejandra Isiordia: The game was very difficult because we played very well during the first two sets but could not pull through. In the fifth set, we committed too many mistakes.
Mexico continue their U20 World Champs campaign on Saturday versus Bulgaria while Russia enjoy a rest day on the second competition day of the 2013 FIVB Women’s U20 World Championship.
To read more news from this competition click on Junior World Championship 2013 W.
