Puerto Rico improves to 3-1 in Group 2 of WGP
 

TRUJILLO, Peru, August 1, 2014 – Puerto Rico captured its third victory in Group 2 of the FIVB World Grand Prix by dispatching hosts Peru in straight sets (25-23, 25-16, 25-22) on Friday.

Alexandra Oquendo (15), Aury Cruz (14) and Karina Ocasio (12) were the main offensive weapons for the winners. Karla Rueda and Angela Leyva finished with 12 and 10, respectively, for Peru.

Also in Trujillo, Poland dispatched Cuba 25-21, 26-24, 25-12. Malwina Smarzek topped the winners with 15 points while Izabela Kowalinska chipped in with 11 points. Melissa Vargas finished with 19 points for Cuba.

In Group 2 in Leuven, Belgium, Lise Van Hecke produced 23 points in leading Belgium to a 25-17, 25-20, 25-19 victory over Canada. Brittney Page had 14 in the losing cause.

In Group 1 in Ankara, Turkey, United States lost to Russia in four sets (22-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-20). Tatiana Kosheleva led Russia with 24 points. Foluke Akinradewo and Kimberly Hill each recorded 17 points for the losers.

The Americans led in blocks (15-7) and the Russians had the advantage in aces (10-7). The winners made only 9 unforced errors compared to 23 by the defeated side.

Also in Group 1 in Sassari, Italy, hosts Italy beat Dominican Republic 25-18, 25-23, 25-15. The Italians held advantages of 7-5 and 6-2 in blocks and serves, respectively.

Nadia Centoni and Antonella Del Core were the best offensive Italians with 16 and 13 points, respectively.  Brayelin Martinez had a match-high 19 points for the Dominican Republic.

In Group 3 in Brno, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan defeated Mexico in straight sets (25-18, 25-16, 25-19). Alena Omelchenko and Lyudmila Anarbayeva had 13 and 12 points, respectively for the winners. Claudia Rios had 12 points for Mexico, all in attacks.