Balanced attack carry Puerto Rico to first win

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 15, 2012 – Puerto Rico recorded their first victory in the XI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by downing Canada in straight sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-18) in Pool A on Sunday. Both sides have identical 1-3 win-loss record.

Yarimar Rosa had 19 points to lead Puerto Rico while Stephanie Enright added 11. Daly Santana, Jetzabel Del Valle and Amanda Vásquez each contributed 8 points to the victory. Canada’s Sarah Pavan finished with 17, including four blocks.

“It was a good game for us,” Del Valle said. “We used our serve to neutralize their use of the center and that was a key for the victory.”

“We are disappointed for the loss,” Canada´s Brittney Page said. “I don’t know, but we didn’t match with Puerto Rico’s style.”

“Today we executed better and we always have good games against Canada,” Puerto Rico’s coach David Aleman said. “The reception was a key for us because we used more the center and allowed our corners to play looser.”

“Puerto Rico had good passing and serving and our players seemed to be scared because we didn’t play as good as we did in our first three matches,” Canada’s coach Arnd Ludwig said. “I hope we can play against them again in this tournament.”