Puerto Rico leaves Trujillo with perfect record
 

TRUJILLO, Peru, August 3, 2014 – Puerto Rico overcame Cuba to score a five-set win 25-15, 22-25, 24-26, 25-16, 15-12 in Group 2 of the FIVB World Grand Prix on Sunday.

It was the third victory of Puerto Rico during the weekend improving to a 5-1 win-loss record and a second place of the eight-team group behind Netherlands.

Karina Ocasio led Puerto Rico with 25 points, including five blocks and Melissa Vargas had 23 points as the best scorer for Cuba.

In Ankara, Turkey, United States won a thrilling five-setter against Japan 25-27, 25-17, 25-22, 24-26, 15-11 for their first victory of the year at the FIVB World Grand Prix.

The Americans had lost their first two matches in Group I to the teams of Russia and hosts Turkey.

Kelly Muprhy (21) led five American players who reached double digits in the scoring charts. Tetori Dixon and Kelsey Robinson followed with 16 and 15, respectively, while Kimberly Hill and Rachael Adams finished with 14 apiece.

In Sassari, Italy, Brazil defeated Dominican Republic 26-24, 25-19, 25-18 in the other match of NORCECA teams playing in Group 1. The winners outblocked their opponents 17-3.

Fernanda Rodrigues led Brazil with 15 points and Bethania De la Cruz was the best Dominican scorer with 13 points.

In Leuven, Belgium, Netherlands edged Canada in five sets 15-25, 25-20, 25-19, 21-25, 15-9 in a match of Group 2.

Celeste Plak topped Netherlands with 17 points followed by Robyn De Kruijf with 16. Shanice Marcelle had 17 for Canada followed by Brittney Page with 15.

In Group 3 in Brno, Czech Republic, Mexico defeated Algeria for the second time this year 29-27, 17-25, 25-20, 25-18.

Andrea Rangel had 17 points for Mexico. Lizbeth Sainz and Claudia Rios each contributed 14 points and Dulce Carranza chipped in with 13. Safia Boukhima led all the scorers in the match with 20 points for Algeria.