Strong win for Puerto Rico sweeping Costa Rica in NORCECA

 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 8, 2019.- Strong win for Puerto Rico sweeping Costa Rica 3-0 (25-8, 25-14, 25-13) in their pool A opening match at the NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship in Roberto Clemente Coliseum.

 

Host Puerto Rico had no difficulties in defeating Costa Rica while using several line-up combinations. Puerto Rico decided the game with impressive 38-13 advantage in attacks and 11-3 from the serving area; they also held 8-3 margin in blocking, scoring 18 points on errors against 16.

 

Puerto Rica Marie Victoria y Shirley Ferrer scored 8 points apiece and and Legna Hernández added 6 points. Tamara Espinoza topped Costa Rica with 6 points.

 

The event grants three spots for the final four NORCECA Olympic qualifier to be held in January; except USA that has a ticket to Tokyo 2020, Dominican Republic already qualified to the final four and Cuba whose team is not taking part of the Olympic cycle.

 

The NORCECA Women’s Championship is being streamed on NORCECA TV www.internetv.tv

 

On Wednesday, Puerto Rico meets Cuba and Costa Rica faces Canada.

 

Shirley Ferrer, opposite of Puerto Rico: “We feel well with this debut, every win counts for reaching our first goal that’s qualifying for the Olympic qualifier in January and then winning a medal in front of our fans. Our coach made some changes, observing our performance because it’s not the same training than playing; what’s important is that we have a team where everyone can be part of the six starters, so our opponents can’t give anything for granted”.

 

José Mieles, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “It was a good match to begin with, break the ice and make variations for everyone to be in rhythm. I am satisfied with the job, there is always space for improvement and I think we could have limited our errors”.

 

Mónica Castro, outside hitter of Costa Rica: “We are happy to be in such an important tournament and we went from less to more during the match. This is a new experience for most of our players. We will improve for the future”.

 

José Miguel Briceño, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “In the first set we had trouble in receiving and that affected our hitters’ confidence. In the second and third sets we adjusted our reception better, we made some changes and we were able to solve more over the net. Puerto Rico is taller than us and they always had double or triple blocks. This is a learning experience for the team”.