Costa Rica give a big surprise at CACG opener in Cordoba

CORDOBA, Mexico, November 15, 2014 - Costa Rica defeated Puerto Rico in five sets (25-22,13-25, 25-21,12-25,15-11) and gave the big surprise in the volleyball opener at the Cordoba Arena.

The Willis Sisters, Angela and Verania, were the top scorers for the Costa Rican Team, with 19 and 12 points, respectively.

Stephanie Enright, Lynda Morales, Sarai Álvarez and Áurea Cruz were the scoring leaders for Puerto Rico. All of them with double digit.

Enright scored 17 points, while Morales closed with 16. Alvarez finished with 14 and Cruz tallied 13.

Costa Rica converted 13 blocking points against 11 by Puerto Rico that dominated 6-3 in serve.

Costa Rica had good control of first set and also managed a clear advantage in the third one. Blocking was the key point However, Puerto Rico had a great recovegring in the fourth one with an 11 points advantage with the score 16-3 in their favor and finished 25-12.

“We did not show a good level in he last set, and that was not good for us, so we are not glad about it, so we need to win our next two matches,” Puerto Rican captain Yarimar Rosa said.

“You always have to take care about Puerto Rico. We had to play with everything and give our best. The score was in our favor and we are glad because we made the adjustements according to our coach tactical plan,” said Angela Willis, captain of Costa Rica.

“I am very glad for the performance of the team. We were concerned that it is too difficult to win against Puerto Rico. If we play ten matches against them, we could only win one and today we made it”, said Costa Rica’s coach, Horacio Bastit.

“I want to congratulate Horacio (Bastit). His team played with a lot of disposition and attitude to claim this victory. My team made many mistakes and we must improve tomorrow,” said Jose Mieles, head coach of Puerto Rico.