Argentina beat Puerto Rico, win fifth place

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 20, 2012 - Argentina defeated Puerto Rico in straight sets (25-20, 25-20, 25-17) to claim fifth place at XI Women’s Pan Am Cup.

Lucia Fresco had another match-high day with 20 points, followed by captain Emilce Sosa who converted 13. For Puerto Rico, Stephanie Enright and Daly Santana scored 10 apiece.

Both teams were already qualified to the FIVB World Grand Prix and this match was also the farewell of Puerto Rico’s captain Jetzabel del Valle, who announced her retirement in front of the media.

“Argentina had a good service and we failed in our reception against them. I am happy because Puerto Rico qualified to the World Grand Prix, but sad at the same time for the loss.  This was my last match with the national team, in the Superior League and also the last one in volleyball,” Del Valle said.

On the other side of the net, Argentinan captain Emilce Sosa, remarked her satisfaction after changing football for volleyball.

“I am glad for the chance to play a Grand Prix, we played well today. Football is over for me and now volley is part of my whole life,” Sosa said.

“Argentina played a great match. Service was the key, they took also the lead attacking and we were neutralized. On the other side, we are in the Grand Prix with a young team and that’s important for our program,” Puerto Rican coach David Aleman pointed out.

“This match was going to be tough. We knew it as we had seen Puerto Rico’s last matches because of the way David (Aleman) set a rotation with the middle blockers”, said Horacio Bastit, coach of Argentina.

“At the same time we gave more game to Georgina Pinedo, who didn’t play against Canada and was difficult for her because she is coming from a surgery, and has been one of our most experienced players.”