MIAMI, Florida, June 29, 2009.- Puerto
Rico remained undefeated in four outings during
the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a
25-21, 25-18, 25-11 victory over Costa Rica
(1-3) at the University of Miami’s BankUnited
Center.
Aurea Cruz tallied a match-high 14 points for
Puerto Rico and she was aided on the scoreboard
by Sarai Alvarez and Yarimar Rosa, who each
contributed nine points. Sheila Ocasio turned in
seven points in the victory.
Costa Rica was led by Verania Willis’ nine
points, while Angela Willis added seven points.
Although Puerto Rico committed 23 errors in the
three-set match, it held a 14-4 block advantage
and 7-2 margin in aces. Puerto Rico also had a
35-21 kill advantage.
“At first we made too many errors and needed a
lot of effort to defeat our opponent,” Puerto
Rico Head Coach Carlos Cardona said. “The most
important part of this match was learning to
deal with adversity to win.”
“This was not our best match, but we were able
to come back and win,” Puerto Rico captain
Vilmarie Mojica said. “It was good to see the
reserves maintain the level when they came into
the match.”
“Congratulations to Puerto Rico as they are a
great team,” Costa Rica Head Coach B. Godinez
Blanco said. “I am happy that we battled in the
first and second set. The difference of level
was pretty obvious at the end, but I am happy
that we showed a good level and hope to raise it
as the tournament goes along.” |