Puerto Rico defeated Canada with consistent blocking

 

COLIMA, Mexico, June 25, 2007.- The consistent blocking of Puerto Rico played a key role in the victory over Canada 3-0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-18) in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

 

With the spiking attempts of Canada crashing against their solid wall, the Puerto Ricans prevailed in the first and built a cushion lead in the second to pave the way to the triumph. Puerto Rico finished the preliminary round with 4-1 mark and Canada was just the opposite.

 

The siblings Karina (5) and Sheila Ocasio (3) combined for half of the 16 blocks by Puerto Rico. Sarai Alvarez led with 14 points and Sheila and Karina had 12 and 10 respectively. Stacey Gordon led Canada with 11 points.

 

“It is clear that our blocking was the difference,” said Puerto Rican Aury Cruz. “The sixteen blocks of today is our highest total in the tournament and in just three sets.”

 

“It was not a good game for us,” said Canadian Emely Cordonier. “I hope we can improve in our last match.”