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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, August 12, 2021. -
Puerto Rico had a hard time defeating Costa Rica
in five thrilling sets 3-2 (34-32, 25-19, 17-25,
20-25, 16-14) on day two of the Women’s U23 Pan
American Cup in Aguascalientes.
Puerto Rico improved their record 2-0 in pool B
and will conclude pool-play on Friday against
Mexico. Costa Rica faces Guatemala.
From the beginning Puerto Rico and Costa Rica
battled strong; after Puerto Rico won an
exhausting first set they gained confidence
edging Costa Rica in the second set. Costa Rica
stormed past Puerto Rico in set three leading by
a nine point margin (14-5) and improving their
energy into the tie-break. Puerto Rico took away
three match points from Costa Rica leading 11-14
to finish 16-14.
Puerto Rico led in attacks 64-52 and serves 9-6,
committing 46 errors; Costa Rica led in blocks
by huge margin 11-4 and committed 35 errors.
Four players of Puerto Rico scored double
digits, outside hitter Nahirka Malpica (19),
middle blockers Karolina Rodriguez (17) and
Paola Martell (12), and outside hitter María
Verrier (10). For Costa Rica, Tamara Espinoza
led with 19 points and María Sofía Arroyo scored
14 points.
Nahirka Malpica top scorer of Puerto Rico: “Our
energy wasn’t the same during the match and that
made a big difference to extend up to five sets.
Not getting desperate was our strength and
showing up”.
Tamara Espinoza top scorer of Costa Rica: “We
did a great effort, I believe we were over
confident and that cost us. I am a bit
unsatisfied with the result, but happy with what
we’ve accomplished as a team. Puerto Rico did an
excellent game; they have great level to be
U20”.
José Rivera Guinand Coach of Puerto Rico: “When
we studied Costa Rica we were aware it was going
to be really tight, my girls kept their
concentration in the fifth set, they didn’t
commit errors and our serves were essential.
Both teams gave one hundred percent and we
continue to learn”. |
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