Lausanne, Switzerland, July 15, 2017 - Venezuela host Mexico Saturday in Caracas in what is the very first meeting between the two sides in FIVB World Grand Prix history. They last met at the 2003 Pan American Games with Venezuela winning in four sets. Mexico have never won a single ser against a South American side in four World Grand Prix matches.
Head-to-Head• This is the first World Grand Prix encounter between these nations.
• These teams did meet at the 2003 Pan American Games, with Venezuela winning 3-1.
• Mexico have lost all four World Grand Prix matches against South American teams, all by 3-0.
Venezuela• Venezuela have won three consecutive World Grand Prix matches in straight sets, after losing 3-2 against France in their debut in the competition.
• Venezuela could become the second South American team to win four of their first five World Grand Prix matches (Colombia won five of their first six in their debut in the competition in 2015).
• Shirley Florian (twice), Luz Maguy Delfines Melendez and Maria Perez have all finished as leading scorer in a Venezuela World Grand Prix match.
Mexico• Mexico have lost consecutive World Grand Prix matches in straight sets after opening their 2017 campaign with two victories.
• Mexico have won exactly two matches in all four of their World Grand Prix participations (including 2017).
• Mexico have lost the opening set in each of their last nine World Grand Prix matches (W3-L6).
• Patricia Valle has a block average of 1.00 per set. Lisbeth Sainz is Mexico's top scorer on 48 points.