Puerto Rico advances to semifinals after beating Mexico

LANGLEY, Canada, September 26, 2013 - Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinals at the Norceca Men’s Continental Championship after defeating Mexico in straight sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-22).

Puerto Rico had a solid performance by Roberto Muñiz and Ezequiel Cruz with 15 and 10 points respectively. For Mexico, Daniel Vargas scored 10, while Tomas Aguilera, Jorge Quinones and Jesus Valdemar Valdes registered 7 apiece.

“We are very dissapointed because We are out of the semifinals. It was a good night for the group,” said Quinones, captain of Mexico.

“We wanted to go on but it was not possible. Puerto Rico was very difficult tonight with their serve. It really affected us and We couldn´t solve it,” stated Mexican coach Sergio Hernández.

“This was a very important victory. We are very happy for it and for being in semifinals,” said Enrique Escalante, captain of Puerto Rico. “Mexico is a team that fights hard and You cannot give them any kind of advantage. We played hard from the beginning to the end.”

David Aleman, coach of Puerto Rico said that a new commitment awaits against USA. “We are glad to be among the best four teams,” He said. “We will face a whole different team that played at the Pan American Cup in Mexico City and have to work hard on the semifinal round.”