Puerto Rico makes it into Semis in dramatic way

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 2, 2013.- Puerto Rico made it into the semifinals of the U-18 Girls Pan American Cup after defeating Peru in five sets (25-18, 18-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-9)on Thursday’s quarterfinal at Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium.

The key for Puerto Rico’s dramatic victory were their 18 points scored in blocking against 8 from Peru; a defense that stopped the opponents attack.

Genesis Miranda led Puerto Rico with 23 points and Patricia Montero added 21.

Peru’s top scorers were Barbara Briceño with 13 points, ArnaoUrrutia with 11 and Katherine Regalado with 14 tallies.

“Our coaches gave us the motivation to push stronger which made our defense improve drastically” said Wilmarie Rivera, Puerto Rico’s captain.

Cristina Cuba of Peru indicated “the team needs to continue with the hard work and making the effort to improve and gain more experience to close a victory”.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez for the winners was glad to reach the semifinals and with the victory “leaving a side the five sets the key was our service and defense. The girls dropped the intensity they’ve had been playing during the tournament”.

Enrique Briceño coach of Peru expressed “I don’t want my team to get used to lose, but they are improving every day. I would have liked to advance further.”