Venezuela beat a resilient Puerto Rico in intense four setter

CORDOBA, México, November 25, 2014 - After more than 2 hours of intense actions at the Cordoba Arena, Venezuela won their first match in four sets against Puerto Rico (25-20, 25-23, 23-25, 29-27).

Kervin Pinerua scored 21 points for Venezuela, while Maximo Montoya closed with 15 and Emerson Rodriguez tallied 14. Jesus Chourio completed the double digits for the Venezuelan team with 12.

On the Puerto Rican side, captain Hector Soto closed with 17 points. He was followed by Maurice Torres with 16 and Roberto Muniz, registered 10. Venezuelan blocking game was key to avoid the tie-breaker after a 11-5 final record of converted points. Also their service made a difference with a 10-3 ballance in favor of the South American squad, with four aces by Emerson Rodriguez and three by Pinerua.

“We went from least to most in this match, but a lot of mistakes on our side really affected us as well as their service when we had an advantage. The positive thing is that we improved our performance and we expect to improve our level. This is a short tournament,” stated Hector Soto, captain of Puerto Rico.

“Thanks God we had a great beginning with a victory. Our team had a little time practicing to get into fast rhythm, Puerto Rico really played hard and we achieved the victory with fast and solid attacks,” Kervin Pinerua, captain of Venezuela said.

“We are very happy to begin with this result, against an opponent that plays very well like Puerto Rico. Both teams had just participated at the World Championship in Poland, and they showed their quality in this match,” said Venezuelan outside hitter, Fernando Gonzalez.

“Like Hector said, is a very short tournament. The Venezuelan service was complicated and tough and put us in trouble. Fourth set was out of our league, but we are still in contention,” David Aleman, coach of Puerto Rico indicated.

“It was a very difficult match, with a Puerto Rican team that is very tough. With players like Héctor Soto or (Maurice) Torres. They are a very experienced team and at the same time this was our first match after the World Championship”, said italian Vicenzo Nacci, coach of Venezuela.