Argentina Remains Undefeated by Defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 

IRAPUATO, Mexico, August 20, 2024. – Argentina remains undefeated (3-0) after defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16) in Pool B of the XXI Pan American Volleyball Cup. 

Argentina resisted the pressure from Puerto Rico at the start of the first set, but gradually settled in, building an initial two-point lead that grew to five by mid-set, ensuring a calm finish, especially with the performances of Elina Rodríguez and Bianca Farriol, who each scored 6 points. 

In the second set, Argentina used different lineups, with Candelaria Herrera standing out as the best player with 5 points, including two blocks, alongside three points from Rodríguez, who was the leading scorer of the match with 18 points, while Daniela Bulaich contributed 11. For Puerto Rico, Stephanie Rivera scored 11 points. 

Argentina was superior in attack (44-28), blocking (8-2), and serving (5-2), committing 19 unforced errors compared to 18 by their opponents. 

Puerto Rico will play Chile on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. (local time), while Argentina will face Cuba at 8:00 p.m. 

Victoria Mayer, captain of Argentina: “We are very happy with the victory. Puerto Rico is an opponent that has become very competitive over the years, so a win against them is very important for our consolidation. We are building set by set, and you can see how we’ve been gradually improving on the court, taking it match by match”.

Facundo Morando, Coach of Argentina: “In these tournaments, it’s always important not to drop sets, for several reasons, including fatigue and points. Puerto Rico plays volleyball very well, fully utilizing all their skills, but the girls handled it in the best way possible. One of the team’s greatest strengths is patience; when Puerto Rico was applying pressure, there came a point where we broke through, either with blocking or serving”.