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Puerto Rico earns its first win in Edmonton 

EDMONTON, CANADA. Sept. 22, 2023:  Mexico fell to Puerto Rico today 1-3 (25-17, 23-25, 26-28, 21-25) at the NORCECA Pan American Cup Men’s Final Six, September 19 to 24 at the Flair Airlines Hangar (Expo Centre), in Edmonton, Alberta.

Despite the loss, Mexico led in attack points (57-50), but Puerto Rico led in blocking (9-8), service points (6-3) and made fewer errors overall (27-30).

This was Puerto Rico’s first win of the tournament. Mexico is 2-2.

Klistan Lawrence led Puerto Rico with 24 points. Luis Hernández Baca of Mexico also contributed 24 points for his team.  

Jorge Azair, head coach of Mexico: “I think that Puerto Rico adjusted and changed their opposite and responded by playing better. They were better in reception and sideout. We made mistakes and that made the difference for our team.”  

Gerardo de Jesus Sanchez, head coach of Puerto Rico:  “The guys played well today, and I’m very happy with this victory. We served well, passed well, blocked well – I’m very excited about this victory.  I changed Lawrence to opposite after the first set and it worked well for the team.” 

Klistan Lawrence, player from Puerto Rico: “I felt I was able to make a big difference coming in as opposite, it helped the team with passing and offence. I’m very happy that we finally got a win against a good team. We are learning a lot about being calm and controlled and communicating better as a team.”