Puerto Rico headed to semifinals undefeated

JUANA DIAZ, Puerto Rico, May 11, 2023.- Host Puerto Rico beat Honduras 3-0 (25-10, 25-12, 25-9) on Thursday to reach the semifinals undefeated of the Girls’ U19 NORCECA Pan American Cup at Dolores Martinez Coliseum in Juana Diaz.

Puerto Rico finished the preliminary round 3-0 and first place in pool B to advance into Saturday’s semifinals. Honduras 0-3 will play for positions 5 to 8.

The home girls were stronger outnumbering Honduras 36-8 in attacks, 16-2 in aces and 2-1 in blocks, committing 20 unforced errors against 21.

Outside hitter Chareika Carrion of Puerto Rico was the only player with double digits, scoring 14 points on 8 kills and 6 aces. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett and opposite hitter Gabriela Machin, both coming off the bench for the second and third sets, contributed with 9 points apiece.

Outside hitter Monica Vasquez of Honduras scored four points.

Elena García, captain of Puerto Rico: “It’s my birthday and what better gift from my team than moving into the semifinals. It’s a privilege to be in this position (undefeated and in semifinals), thanks to our hard work, our performance and I am sure we’ll do well up to the final. We are ready, very disciplined and we are  training hard, we will give our all as always”.

Chareika Carrion, top scorer of Puerto Rico: “Our best weapon was our passing, in addition to our outside hitter’s offense. I am very glad to be in semifinals for all our hard work”.