Puerto Rico wins five-setter over Cuba

NINGBO, China, May 18, 2013 – Puerto Rico pulled a spectacular come from behind victory over Cuba in five sets (25-27, 23.25, 25-22, 25-18, 15-11) in the second day of the China International Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.

In the other match of Saturday, hosts China improved to a 2-0 win-loss mark after a one-side victory over Thailand (1-1) in straight sets 25-15, 25-13, 25-9.

Puerto Rico totaled 22 blocks with Sheila Ocasio and Lynda Morales each with five and Yarimar Rosa contributing four. The match lasted 2 hours and 29 minutes.

The winners, who play Thailand on Sunday, equaled their win-loss record at 1-1 while the losers dropped to 0-2.

Karina Ocasio-Malpica and Rosa with 19 and 18 points respectively, led the winners’ offense. Sheila Ocasio added 13.

Cuba’s Yoana Palacio and Ana Cleger finished with 22 points apiece while Rosana Giel and Daymara Lescay added 11 and 10.

“We had a great blocking-game and we were able to stop their two main offensive threats,” Puerto Rican Coach Rafael Olazagasti said.

“The blocking of Puerto Rico hurt us and I congratulate them for coming back into the match,” Cuban Juan Carlos Gala said. “This is our second match of the season and we need to continue working in our objectives for the summer.”