First victory for Peru in the Pan American Cup against Costa Rica 

PONCE, PUERTO RICO, August 7, 2023.- The Peru National Team achieved its first victory of the XX Senior Women's Volleyball Pan American Cup against Costa Rica, 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25- 18) on the third day of competition at the Juan "Pachín" Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce. 

The duo of Karla Ortiz and Ysabella Sánchez contributed 13 points each to lead Peru's offense in the important Group A victory.

Ortiz, captain of Peru, got 11 of her 13 points in attacks, and two on aces; Sánchez made 12 attacks and an ace; and Flavia Montes had eight points, five on kills and three on blocks. Captain Marcela Araya was the best scorer for Costa Rica with 10 points (9 attacks, one ace); Lakysha Thompson with five points (4 attacks, one block); and Mónica Castro with five points (one ace). 

Costa Rica (0-3) will face Colombia tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.; and Peru (1-1) faces Canada at 6:00 p.m.

Francisco Manuel Hervas Tirado, Coach of Peru: “The team came in a little looser than yesterday, because the first games are always difficult. Today we were able to apply a little more rhythm, which is what we are looking for. There is a long way to go and we will continue working for tomorrow. Canada is a tough, big and very physical team, and I'm sure it will be a good game”. 

Karla Ortiz, Captain of Peru: “Thank God the victory was achieved. This victory is important for us because we want to be on the podium like any team that comes to this competition. Each team is a new story, and this victory helps us to be at the top of the chart”. 

Marcela Araya, Captain of Costa Rica: “We did a good job, however, we are having a really hard time closing the last part of the set. The positive part is that we compete with these high-level teams and they have many more training sessions than us, however, we have been improving and that is the idea; improve every day. And tomorrow, if possible, take a set from Colombia; That is our goal always”.