Puerto Rico takes fifth place in dramatic tie-break over Peru

LIMA, Peru, August 10, 2019. - Puerto Rico took fifth place of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games in dramatic tie-break 3-2 (22-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-25, 15-13) over host Peru at the Multisport Complex El Callao of Lima, Peru.

Peru’s strong efforts recovering from a seven point deficit (4-11) in the first set and their tough advantage (10-5) in the fourth set extending to an overtime were cut off short from a calm and controlled Puerto Rico that stood up to the crowd’s pressure the entire game.

Puerto Rico held advantage only in service points (6-3) and scored on 36 opponent errors against 31.  Peru led in kills 52-49 and in blocks 15-11.

Outside hitter Aury Cruz scored 18 points including 17 kills as Puerto Rico’s leading attack, along with Stephanie Enright with 16 points and Paulina Prieto with 13 points. Karla Ortiz of Peru scored a match-high of 21 points on 17 kills and 4 big blocks, while Angela Leyva and Maguilaura Frias added 18 and 11 points accordingly.

Comments:

Natalia Valentin, captain of Puerto Rico: “I am really glad, we showed character. It was physical game and we played with heart for the victory”.

José Mieles, Head coach of Puerto Rico: “I am happy with the victory with mixed feelings because we wanted to play the medals round. We are finishing strong, in fifth place and now we must rest before we start to prepare for the Norceca Championship and the pre-Olympic of our zone”.

Francisco Hervas, Head coach of Peru: “We could have won; we could have finished in a better position. We must continue gaining more experience and we are on that track”.