Peru battles to defeat Trinidad & Tobago

LIMA, Peru, June 19, 2017 – Peru overcame a high-spirited Trinidad & Tobago 3-1 (25-19, 24-26, 25-21, 25-17) to stay undefeated in Pool B of the XVI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by Movistar at Eduardo Dibos Coliseum on Monday night.

Peru improved to 3-0 (14 points) while Trinidad & Tobago remained winless at 0-3 (1 point) in the preliminary phase.

Carla Rueda and Angela Leyva carried most of the offensive load of the home team with 18 points apiece. Channon Thompson had a match-high 21 points for Trinidad & Tobago while Sinead Jack had six blocks among her 18 points in the losing cause.

Trinidad & Tobago amassed 16 blocks as a team but also committed 37 unforced errors compared to only 13 by Peru.

“The blocking by Trinidad & Tobago was very high and consistent,” said Mirtha Uribe, the Peruvian Captain. “The key for us was to avoid the mistakes and to locate good serves on the crucial moments.”

“We came back with a lot of energy and different mentality. It was a learning experience for the young girls in our team and I am satisfied with the way we played even not necessarily with the outcome,” said Renelle Forde, the Trinidadian Captain.

Luizomar de Moura, Coach of Peru: “The team of Trinidad & Tobago is playing strong matches and they put Dominican Republic in difficulties. They have a lot of power in the attack and a strong blocking capacity. We made just a few errors. Making few errors is part of the growing process.”

Francisco Cruz, Coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “My team just needs to play more because practice is very different to playing real matches. We made many errors but that is because lack of experience. It is the first time we take a set from Peru. Before it was always 3-0 and less than 15 points.”