|
GATINEAU, August 9, 2022- Puerto Rico opened
Pool B action of the Pan American Cup with a 3-1
(25-21, 25-18, 21-25 and 27-25) over Brazil in
two hours at the Slush Puppy Centre in Gatineau,
Canada.
The South American team, made up of players aged
18-19, started out ahead 8-6 and continued to
lead 16-15. The Puerto Rican defense, combined
with Pedro Nieves and Klistan Lawrence’s spikes,
proved to be crucial to revert the score 23-20,
before Pedro Molina sealed the win 25-21 in the
opening set.
In the second set, the most experienced
Caribbean squad continued its solid performance
and built an early 6-2 lead. With Pedro Molina’s
two consecutive aces and smart plays by setter
Arturo Iglesias, Puerto Rico increased in front
16-9 and reached an insurmountable 20-11 score,
before they went on to win 25-18.
In the third set, both teams traded points, but
Brazil took the lead briefly 12-11 and 19-18.
Witalio de Sousa’s ace opened a 2-point lead
(22-20) and went on to win 25-21.
The young South American squad kept its momentum
and kept the fourth set within reach 14-16.
Puerto Rico stayed on top. Its defense and
offense proved crucial to keep Brazil at bay
23-19. But Brazil bounced back to tie 25-25.
Jonathan Rodriguez and Pelegrin Vargas’ spikes
paid the way for the 27-25 set and match
victory.
Klistan Lawerence led the winners’ offense with
18 points, followed by Pedro Molina (16) and
Jonathan Rodriguez (15). Samuel Carazzai de
Morais produced 22 points for Brazil and was
supported by captain Arthur Bento with 13.
Puerto Rico and Brazil play in Pool B together
with Canada and Mexico. |
