Puerto Rico debuts at Women’s U23 Pan Am Cup with victory over Guatemala

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, August 11, 2021.- Puerto Rico made their debut at the Women’s U23 Pan American Cup with a 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-17) victory over Guatemala in pool B at the Olympic Gymnasium of Aguascalientes.

Guatemala managed to put up a better performance during the first and third sets, but Puerto Rico’s strength in attacks and serves took their momentum and the win.

Puerto Rico succeeded by a comfortable 30-21 margin in attacks, joined by 3-2 advantage in blocks and 4-3 in serves, while allowing 38 points on errors and Guatemala 23.

Outside hitter Nahirka Malpica was Puerto Rico’s best scorer with 10 points, 9 kills and one ace, followed by outside hitter Maria Verrier with 9 points, on 7 kills and 2 blocks, and middle blocker Paola Martell with 6 points. For Guatemala, outside hitter Naomi Monney topped with 13 points, 12 on kills and one ace.

On day two of pool B, Puerto Rico (1-0) plays against Costa Rica and Guatemala (0-1) goes up against host Mexico.

Paola Martell Captain of Puerto Rico: “We are really glad with what we showed on the court, we’ve been practicing for several months now. The third set was the toughest because we had less energy”.

Jimena Castellanos Captain of Guatemala: “It was hard to come back from a long recess due to the pandemic. This was a good first game in totally different conditions and mixed emotions; we were really excited to come back and play. We had everything to win but it slipped from our hands with unforced errors and attitude”.

José Rivera Guinand Coach of Puerto Rico: “Our serves were the key, we were able to keep it and put on the court. My team was patient and worked on limiting their unforced errors. This team is young; U18 and they are here to put in practice all we’ve been working on. Our next opponent is Costa Rica and we expect it to be challenging”.

David Aldana Coach of Guatemala: “The age difference in this category is paying its deeds; we are missing some of our strongest players but we must keep on fighting. Our blocking failed compared to what we’ve been working, obviously Puerto Rico is stronger, added to the fact that for moments our defense and reception weren’t  in understanding which Puerto Rico took advantage of”.