Puerto Rico guns down Argentina

CAÑETE, Peru, June 20, 2017 - Puerto Rico scored a major surprise by defeating Argentina 3-1 (15-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-21) in Pool A of the XVI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by Movistar at Lolo Fernandez Coliseum on Tuesday night.

Both teams are tied in second place with 3-1 behind United States (4-0, 18 points) with Puerto Rico one notch higher 16-15 in points. Argentina meets the United States on Wednesday while Puerto Rico faces Venezuela.

Daly Santana was again the top offensive player for Puerto Rico with 19 points, including three blocks and one ace, while Shirley Ferrer added 15 in the victory.

Paula Nizetich and Emilce Sosa were the best Argentinean with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Elina Rodriguez and Natalia Aispurua had 11 and 10 for the losers.

Natalia Valentin, Captain of Puerto Rico: “Today at the beginning we were a little bit cold but the pride of representing your country comes out when you are down. We knew that was not our kind of game so we caught the rhythm and several players who came in did a good job. The important thing is we made a team effort.”

Yamila Nizetich, player of Argentina: “We failed a lot with our attacks and the blocking did not function and they started pressing with the serves and that was the key for their victory. Now we have to keep our heads up and correct the mistakes as we face one tough opponent like USA, but we can play and win against them.”

Javier Gaspar, Coach of Puerto Rico: “Our first set was a disaster but then we made some substitutions with Shirley Ferrer coming in to provide consistency on the right side attack. The other changes gave more energy to our offense and we pressed with our serves activating the blocking for more chances of counter-attacks.”

Guillermo Orduna, Coach of Argentina: “We couldn’t keep the concentration of the first set. Puerto Rico reacted, started to defend and they closed the rallies. We need to improve that tomorrow because United States have similar characteristics.”