Puerto Rico clinches last berth to the World Grand Prix 2014

CALLAO, Peru, June 15, 2013 - Puerto Rico defeated Canada 3-1 (27-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-19) and booked the final spot available for the 2014 FIVB World Grand Prix in the XII Movistar Women’s Pan American Cup at the Miguel Grau Coliseum.

Karina Ocasio and Jaimie Thibeault were the top scorers of the match to decide the last team qualified to the FIVB World Grand Prix of 2014. Ocasio closed with 21 points for the Puerto Ricans, while Sheila Ocasio scored 15.  Thibeault tallied 18 for the Canadian Team that also had Kyla Richey (13) and Lisa Barclay (14) as top scorers.

“Puerto Rico played very well, with a very good defense and fought really hard at the end”, said Brittney Page, captain of Canada.

“We had two goals: to win a medal and to qualify to the World Grand Prix. We could not grab the medal, but we are glad for qualifying again,” said Yarimar Rosa.

“The Grand Prix was also our goal. We played well for the first two sets, but after that we went down and felt tired, congratulations to Puerto Rico for their qualification”, stated Arnd Ludwig, coach of Canada.

“I am glad with this team. The ones that want to play are here. We knew it was not going to be easy against Canada, a very young team that is very well organized”, said Rafael Olazagasti, head coach of Puerto Rico.