Puerto Rico concludes Pool A at 4-1

CAÑETE, Peru, June 21, 2017 – Puerto Rico stormed past Venezuela for a 3-0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-16) victory in Pool A of the XVI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on Wednesday at Lolo Fernandez Coliseum of Cañete. 

The winners finished with a 4-1 win-loss record and 21 points good enough for a spot in the quarterfinals of the competition. Venezuela concluded with a 1-4 mark and 3 points.

Puerto Rican coach rested his two main offensive weapons –Daly Santana and Pilar Victoria- and rotated his personnel during the course of the match.

Shirley Ferrer was the best scorer for Puerto Rico with 17 points, while Noami Santos added 11 in the loss. Luz Delfines was the top offensive player for Venezuela with 11 points.

Shirley Ferrer, Player of Puerto Rico: “We have a new team and there are many facets we need to improve. Stronger teams are coming but reducing mistakes and keeping our game rhythm things are going to come out better.”

Luz Delfines, Player of Venezuela: “I am happy because they gave me the chance to play the whole match and I took 100 % of the opportunity. The competition is preparing us for the World Grand Prix and I think Venezuela is improving little by little. We are just warming up and we have a lot to show for.”

Javier Gaspar, Coach of Puerto Rico: “Over this first phase we have come from less to more, the team is getting confidence and our numbers are getting closer and closer to the goal we have for the tournament. I know in the next phase we are going to need more consistency in the reception to allow the flow of the offense and to continue working in the serve, blocking and defense which allowed us to have two good matches with United States and Argentina.”

Ihosvanny Chambers, Coach of Venezuela: “Today we have made some changes in the starting lineup because we want to see the performance of all athletes in court. I think at the end of the first phase many things have gone well and that’s the motive of the competition, to learn as much as possible since our goal is the World Grand Prix we will host in Venezuela.”