Puerto Rico makes successful start in Pool K

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, July 26, 2014 – Hosts Puerto Rico beat Argentina in straight sets (25-22, 25-18, 25-22) as the FIVB World Grand Prix Pool K got underway at Guillermo Angulo Coliseum of Carolina on Friday.

The Puerto Ricans were the only NORCECA representative to score a victory in the opening day of the premier annual women’s volleyball competition.

As part of the second group of the 28-team competition, Cuba lost to Netherlands in a lopsided match (25-11, 25-13, 25-20) also in Pool K while Canada was fell to by host Peru 3-1 (25-21, 25-18, 25-27, 25-16) in Pook J at Eduardo Dibos Coliseum of Lima.

In Pool Q of third group, hosts Mexico lost to Kenya in four sets (25-18, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22) at Juan de la Barrera Gymnasium of Mexico City.

Puerto Rico 3, Argentina 0

Aury Cruz, Karina Ocasio and Stephanie Enright reached double digits in the scoring charts as Puerto Rico began its campaign with a victory over the South American team. Cruz had 14 points to lead the offense while Ocasio and Enright contributed 13 and 11, respectively. Sheila Ocasio added 7 points, including a match-high four blocks.  Lucia Fresco and Josefina Fernandez each had 8 points in the losing cause.

Netherlands 3, Cuba 0

The Dutch side overwhelmed the Caribbean side with advantages in attacks (34-28), blocks (10-2) and aces (6-1). The winners gave away 12 points in unforced errors to 25 by the defeated side. Judith Pietersen led the winners with 14 points, including one block and two aces, while Anne Buijs tallied 12, including two blocks. Melissa Vargas led Cuba with 12 points and Sulian Matienzo added 8 in the loss.

Peru 3, Canada 1

Angela Leyva led four Peruvians in double digits as the home side won over the North American side. Leyva had 16 points in the victory and was joined by Carla Rueda (13), and Maguilaura Frias and Andrea Urrutia each with 12 points as big contributors in the offense. Lucille Charuk topped Canada with 12 points while Marisa Field, Kyla Richey and Brittney Page finished with 10 points apiece. Canada held the advantage in blocks (14-8) and Peru topped in aces (12-4). The big difference was in the unforced errors with Canada totaling 34 to 14 by Peru.

Kenya 3, Mexico 1

In a match between newcomers to the World Grand Prix, the Africans finished with the top hand as Mercy Molm led the way with a match-high 22 points. Brackcides Khadambi and Lydia Malyo each had 12 points and Everlyne Makuto chipped in with 9 points. Claudia Rios was the best for Mexico with 15 points while Lizbeth Sainz and Zaira Orellana added 14 and 11 points, respectively.