MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.-
Puerto Rico defeated Peru 25-17, 25-19, 25-23 on
the third day of Pool A action of the Eighth
Women’s Pan American Cup Sunday evening at the
University of Miami’s BankUnited Center. Both
teams entered the contest with 2-0 records.
Puerto Rico (3-0) featured three players in
double-figure scoring with Aurea Cruz leading
with 12 points via nine kills, two aces and a
block. Sarai Alvarez and Alexandra Oquendo each
added 11 points in the victory. Peru (2-1) was
paced by Patricia Soto’s 14 points, while Carla
Ortiz chipped in six points in the loss.
Puerto Rico’s net defense yielded an 8-5 block
advantage in addition to a 6-2 ace margin.
“We started slow as we committed some
unaccustomed errors in the early stages,” Puerto
Rico Head Coach Carlos Cardona said. “Our
blocking was great tonight and it put some
pressure on Peru. We really relied on our
blocking tonight. But I did not think we would
win in three sets.”
“Peru came out strong and battled back,” Puerto
Rico captain Vilmarie Mojica said. “However, we
prepared a lot for this match with a great
scouting report.”
“Puerto Rico played really well and we
struggled on serve-receive,” Peru captain Leyla
Chihuan said. “We started to play better towards
the end of the match.” |