Ocasio and Santana Guide Puerto Rico over Canada

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, July 14, 2017 – Puerto Rico beat Canada in the thrilling 3-2 (25-20, 25-21, 22-25, 20-25, 15-13) encounter to record their first win in four matches in Pool F2 at Roberto Clemente Coliseum on Friday.

Karina Ocasio led the charge with 21 attacks, one block and two aces for a total of 24 markers, then Daly Santana added 22 points to fortify Puerto Rico’s five-set home-win. Elizabeth Wendel headed the Canadian offence with 15 points.

Puerto Rico started off their 2017 World Grand Prix season with three straight defeats, while Canada registered two wins.

However, the Puerto Ricans have extended their winning streak over the Canadians to 3-0 in the World Grand Prix since their 3-1 win in Puerto Rico in 2015 and their 3-1 triumph in Poland last year.

“The victory was more than ever gut and passion at the end game,” said Puerto Rican Natalia Valentin. “We were not able to capitalise on our basics in the third and fourth sets, but we came out victorious. This was a necessary victory to boost the team’s confidence. The only thing we can do is get better from now on. As long as we serve well and have good passing, we will win our next matches.