Puerto Rico outclass Costa Rica in straight sets

PONCE, Puerto Rico, May 22, 2014 – Puerto Rico claimed a straight-set (25-20, 25-14, 25-20) over Costa Rica in the NORCECA Women’s World Championship Qualification Tournament Pool R on Thursday.

Opposite Vanessa Velez was the best scorer of Puerto Rico totaling 15 points while teammates Aury Cruz and Alexandra Oquendo chipped in 11 and 8 points.

Costa Rica’s siblings Angela and Verania Willis each finished with 10 points in the losing effort.

Puerto Rico’s captain Yarimar Rosa predicted they will face Costa Rica once again in the decisive match of the tournament with the ticket to the world championship in Italy at stake.

“I am happy with the result as always is good to start winning,” Rosa said. “We have to keep working on those areas where we failed and be ready for our next match against them (Costa Rica) next Sunday.”

Costa Rica’s Angela Willis pointed out serve-reception difficulties as the main reason for the negative outcome.

“They created problems to us with their serves and subsequent blocking,” she said. “We need to make the corrections to be ready for the next time.”

Puerto Rican coach Jose Mieles was satisfied with his team’s overall performance but especially with the services.

“You start the action with the serve and I liked what I saw and it helped our blocking,” Mieles commented. “I am happy with the victory since it is our first game in 2014, so it is a good beginning.”