Puerto Rico Wins Bronze at Girls U19 NORCECA

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 19, 2024.- Puerto Rico won the Bronze Medal at the 2024 Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championship by defeating Mexico 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-23) on Friday at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

This is the fourth bronze medal for Puerto Rico in the history of the event (2002, 2006, 2010).

Puerto Rico outperformed Mexico in attacks (40-34), blocks (12-10), and had a slight edge in serves (3-2). Puerto Rico conceded one less point than Mexico (19-20) on unforced errors.

Outside hitter Pamela Agosto led Puerto Rico with 15 points (13 attacks, 2 blocks), followed by middle blocker Alana Guibert with 11 points (8 attacks, 3 blocks) and outside hitter Cherisse Atilano with 10 points (9 attacks, one ace).

Outside hitter Naomi Cruz led Mexico with 13 points (10 attacks, 3 blocks). Angélica Torres added 9 points and Aylin Ravell 8.

The powerful attack of Pamela Agosto, along with Alana Guibert, helped Puerto Rico secure the first set, in addition to their targeted serves that complicated Mexico's reception. Opposite hitter Aylin Ravell and middle blocker Aitan Rettke pushed Mexico with their blocks to tie the score at 12, but from there, Puerto Rico jumped to a comfortable lead (16-12) thanks to Angélica Reyes' serving and Guibert's play at the net. Although Mexico recovered from a five-point deficit (18-23) and denied Puerto Rico two set points (21-24) with Angelica Torres at the serving line, Pamela Agosto closed the set for a 2-0 lead. The teams were tied several times in the third set; tied at 23, Puerto Rico reached set point on a Mexican error, and Agosto sealed the victory with a block over Mexico’s leading scorer Alejandra Cruz.

Alana Guibert, captain of Puerto Rico: “It was difficult for us to start each of the three sets. I think the fatigue and emotions drained us all. In the end, we were able to overcome Mexico and win the bronze medal. I believe we are a team that unfortunately works under pressure; it pushes and motivates us.”

Isabella Ocampo, captain of Mexico: “We played well, we stayed united. There were moments when we lowered our intensity, but we always supported each other.”