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TORONTO, Canada, July 21, 2015 – Puerto Rico beat Mexico 3-0
(25-23, 25-14, 25-20) to finish with a 2-1 win-loss record and
10 points in Pool B of the men’s volleyball tournament at the
Pan American Games taking place at Toronto Exhibition Center.
Pablo Guzman and Ezequiel Cruz shared the scoring lead for
Puerto Rico each with 12 points, seconded by veteran Hector
Soto, who contributed 9 points.
Jorge Barajas was the best for Mexico with just 9 points, as his
team finished the preliminary round winless in three outings.
Puerto Rico outscored Mexico in blocks 8-1 and attacks 42-30.
Both teams totaled the same amount of errors with 22.
Javier Gaspar, Coach of Puerto Rico: “We played very well at
this match and I feel satisfied about it. It was complicated
because Mexico is a team that plays well and there is a very
interesting rivalry. Fortunately, we own our destiny and don’t
depend of other teams to qualify. We began with some lack of
energy, but our backup players did an excellent job and that was
the key.”
Edgardo Goas, Player of Puerto Rico: “We are obviously happy
about qualifying and being among the top six. They key for us
today was the job done by those who came off the bench which
proves the depth we have in this team.”
Hector Soto, Player of Puerto Rico: “We maintained a good
reception level and executed good tactical serves. Our attack
continues to be fluid. We faced some difficulties for moments
but increased our level. We have a fair chance of a medal but we
must wait and see what happens tonight.”
Roberto Vilches, Coach of Mexico: “The first set was pretty
good. It was acceptable. But when the team is against the odds
doesn’t try to fight back. I’m a little bit angry and worried
about it. The boys lost their enthusiasm when they knew that our
key players wouldn’t come here. The absence of them really
affected us.”
Jorge Barajas, Player of Mexico: “We lost because of the lack of
experience of our young players. We also need to be more united
so as you could see thing didn’t work out and we could not get
the result. We need to believe more in ourselves and also
believe in the things we do to achieve the goals.” |
