The economic problems facing the Peruvian Volleyball Federation were not an impediment for a group of girls to commit and represent the country at the international level. The Under-23 team was the surprise of the I Junior Pan American Games Cali-Valle 2021 by qualifying for the final and fighting point by point with Brazil, one of the best teams in the world.
This team was led by coach Francisco Hervás, who highlighted the effort of his players to reach the podium. "We knew how difficult it was to win a medal in these Pan American Games because we were not the favorites. Very proud of this group that works with a single idea. The strength of the team lies in the players and the strength of the players lies in the team. Together we are stronger," said the coach, who arrived in the country in 2018 to take charge of the National Women's Volleyball Team. However, on this occasion, he has also led the Under-23 team, leading them to this great continental achievement.
"It was already complicated to have Brazil and Dominican Republic in our group, two teams that usually dominate in these categories. In the final, everyone thought it would be easy for Brazil, but we put up a tough fight. Pienso que Perú ha sido la sorpresa en estos Juegos Panamericanos, pese a trabajar solo dos semanas con este lindo grupo de manera integral," he added.
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The president of the PVF, Gino Vegas, also commented on the team's achievement. "This is just the beginning of something that we have to consistently work on. The result satisfies us and perhaps it has exceeded expectations, even though the entire coaching staff and the girls had made the promise to win a medal," confessed the head of the PVF. "The final was very good. I am very happy and satisfied, also with the performance of the beach volleyball girls, who finished in a commendable fourth place."
When asked about the LNSV, Vegas stated: "It starts on December 16, and then there will be a break for the holidays. It will resume from January 8 to the end of March. And there will be a 40% capacity."
The key
Hervás confirmed that he will travel to Spain. "I will return in March to work depending on the competition calendar. This way we avoid higher expenses for the PVF."