Brazil claims the Gold at U-18 Pan Am Cup

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 4, 2013. - Brazil won the Gold Medal of the U-18 Pan American Cup following anexciting five set victory over Puerto Rico (20-25, 25-19, 25-13, 23-25, 15-12) on Friday at Gymnasium Teodoro Palacios Flores in Guatemala.

After dropping the first set Brazil bounced back with Puerto Rico battling every point. A dramatic fourth set forced the fifth and Brazil’s win in two hours and 29 minutes. Brazil led in attacks 63-50 and Puerto Rico had more effectiveness in blocking points by 17-15.

Drussyla Costa with 20 points along with Gabriela Candido and Lana Conceicao who chipped in with 18 a piece, were Brazil’s top scorers. For Puerto Rico, Genesis Miranda was registered 22 points.

Lorenne Geraldo thanked God for the title and the fans that cheered for them “we played together as a team”.

Wilmarie Rivera captain of Puerto Rico indicated “this was a very good match; both teams gave our maximum effort, we’re glad with the silver medal even if we expected another result”.

“Our first title in this category is an important one because the girls grow as players. Puerto Rico had a lot of courage and heart” said Mauricio Thomas of Brazil.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico expressed his instructions to her team before the match “if Brazil wants to win, they’ll have to kill us and we won’t make it easy”. He also said to be very proud of his team “we played three spectacular matches of five sets and the girls did a splendid job”.