Puerto Rico become first finalist at Central American and Caribbean Games

CORDOBA, Mexico, November 19, 2014 - Puerto Rico became the first finalist of Women’s Volleyball contest at XXII Central American and Caribbean Games.

Puerto Rico defeated Cuba in 5 sets, by scores of 25-23, 25-21, 14-25, 22-25, 15-13. Melissa Vargas of Cuba, was the top scorer with 31 points, the highest at the tournament. Regla Gracia, Alena Rojas and Daymara Lescay tallied 13 apiece, and Caridad Matienzo scored 10 for Cuba.

Sarai Alvarez scored 28 and Aurea Cryz scored 18 for Puerto Rico. Cuba came from behind in the third and fourth sets, after a temporary 0-2 deficit, but in the fifth Puerto Rico opened more concentrated and even had a 5 points advantage. Cuba dominated 19-7 in blocking and 6-4 in services, but surrendered 30 points by error, Puerto Rico gave 26.

Puerto Rico missed one match point in a serve play, but kept calmed in the key moments. “I want to congratulate Puerto Rico for such a great match. We missed the key points and the blocking game. That was it,” said Caridad Matienzo, captain of Cuba. “We needed to close but we didn’t know how to move on”, said Melissa Vargas.

“We are so glad for this triumph and also have the chance to grant a medal. It could be defined on either side”, Yarimar Rosa, captain of Puerto Rico stated. “It was a great match with some ups and downs. Now we have work harder for tomorrow’s final,” Puerto Rican setter Natalia Valentin remarked.

“Puerto Rico played a great match. They had a great tactical plan. We didn’t know how to defend the victory and the match was for the one who knew how to define the key points, ” established Juan Carlos Gala, coach of Cuba.

“It could be decided on any side. We improved our level, but we faced a very tough team like Cuba, very difficult to win. Their middle blockers did a great job. I don’t have my complete team. Just a few days I remember how difficult was to join all the pieces. We have to improve our service,” Jose Mieles, coach of Puerto Rico, remarked.