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LA PAZ, Baja California,
June 7, 2022.- Puerto
Rico edged Dominican Republic in five thrilling
sets 3-2 (25-23, 27-29, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14) at
the inaugural match of the Women’s U21 Pan
American Cup at Arena La Paz in Baja California
Sur.
Puerto Rico won their first match in pool A of
the qualifying event to the 2023 FIVB World
Championship against a tough Dominican squad
that led by a slim margin in every skill, with
55-54 in attacks, 17-16 in blocks and 7-5 in
serves, while benefiting from 42 opponent errors
and allowing 35.
Outside hitter Grace Mar López scored a
match-high of 27 points leading Puerto Rico’s
scorers; on 23 kills, 3 blocks and one ace.
Opposite hitter Paola Martell followed with 11
points on 9 kills, one blocks, and one ace, and
middle blocker Marcelle Baez also added 11
points on 5 kills, 5 blocks and one ace.
Middle blocker Florangel Terrero led Dominican
Republic scoring 21 points on 18 kills, 2 blocks
and one ace; setter Ariana Rodriguez contributed
with 17 points on 11 kills and 6 blocks, and
setter Sophia Reynolds chipped in with 10 points
all on kills.
On the second day of competition in pool A,
Dominican Republic has the day off and Puerto
Rico plays against Cuba.
José Rivera, Head Coach
Puerto Rico: “The
game was intense, against a strong opponent. I
am happy for my players for starting a
tournament winning, which is positive. Our
serving was effective, and our blocks executed
well, allowing us to get the Dominican Republic
off their offensive system of play”.
Cristian Cruz, Head Coach
Dominican Republic: “We
had too many ups and downs, we couldn’t develop
our offense with our outside hitters, and we had
to base our performance on our middles,
compromising our passing. Our physical condition
was bellow from what we are used to. Tomorrow we
rest and we will try to improve during practice
to face Cuba on Thursday”. |
