Puerto Ricans debut with victory over Argentina

 

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 23, 2007.- Puerto Rico recovered from a first set loaded with defensive mistakes to defeat Argentina 3-1 in the opening match of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the Pan American Games at the Maracanazhino Arena.

 

Puerto Rican captain Hector -Piky- Soto scored 21 points to lead the winners in the 22-25, 26-24, 25-21 y 25-22 triumph in Pool B, which consists also of Venezuela and USA.

 

Victor Rivera and Jose Rivera had 13 and 10 points for Puerto Rico and Marcos Milinkovic and Gustavo Scholtis had 18 and 16 for Argentina.

 

“I feel happy for the victory but not satisfied with our kind of play,” commented Soto. “Now, a first game always presents you with some adjustments problems, and I am confident that our play will improve in this very tough competition.”

 

“Definitely they took better advantage of the mistakes, and played better than us,” said Jon Uriarte, the coach of Argentina.

 

Some experts considered as a surprise the victory of Puerto Rico but coach Luis Rodriguez did not agree with that perception.

 

“Both teams match-up well, we can beat each other, sometimes them and sometimes us. I don’t think it was a surprise. I recognize the quality of Argentina and also the effort made by my players.