Puerto Rico defeats Uruguay in U20 Pan Am debut

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, May 9, 2017.- Puerto Rico defeated Uruguay in their U20 Women’s Pan American Cup debut by 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-14) score at Gimnasio Nacional of San Jose, Costa Rica.

Puerto Rico displayed a strong performance in Pool B prevailing over Uruguay who the previews day had defeated Costa Rica. The Caribbean team capitalized on Uruguay’s 35 errors, dominating the actions and upholding a comfortable margin in scores especially in set three.

Once again, Camila Bausero of Uruguay led all scorers with 17 points, not enough to detain Puerto Rico’s 28-25 advantage in spikes, 5-3 in blocking and 7-2 in service points. Puerto Rico limited their errors to 19 points. Puerto Rico’s top scorer was Dariana Hollingsworth with 9 points.

On Wednesday, Puerto Rico (1-0) will face Costa Rica (0-1) ; meanwhile Uruguay finishes pool-play with 1-1 win-loss record.

Dariana Hollingsworth, Puerto Rico’s captain: “We were able to follow instructions to finish on top. We played comfortably, we dominated the whole match. My team hopes to win every match”.

Florencia Tucuna, Uruguay’s middle blocker:  “The team lacked concentration, we had too many ups and downs; I believe we could have done things better, we played with energy and defended well, but we had no connection with our setters”.

Julio Melendez, Puerto Rico’s Head Coach: “Thank God there were no injured on any side. We studied Uruguay pretty well; our players received the necessary instructions to execute well. On some level we allowed Uruguay to get into the game”.

Gerardo Peralta, Uruguay’s Head Coach: “I consider the result is mostly because of our errors and not Puerto Rico’s merits. We performed on occasions well and in others badly, we couldn’t take advantage in the necessary moments. Puerto Rico plays very high over the net and if the reception doesn’t reach the setter, it’s too hard to perform. We must work on having more regularity”.