Puerto Rico advance to Norceca Women’s U18 semifinals

TIJUANA, Mexico, August 9 2012 – Puerto Rico qualified to the semifinals at the Norceca Women´s U18 Continental Championship, after defeating Guatemala 3-0 (25-8, 25- 10, 25-18).

Paola Rojas finished with 13 points for Puerto Rico, while Julymar Otero scored 12. Guatemala’s captain Estefanie Bethancourth registered seven. “The match was very tough. We had a lot to give, a little bit more, but we had a lack of enthusiasm and didn’t come together as a team ti win,” said Bethancourth.

“We are very glad to be in the semifinals, we feel great. The match was excellent and we did a great job. We did everything we had to on the court,” Puerto Rican captain, Wilmarie Rivera, stated.

“I consider we as a te team know how to do it, but  I think we must work more a tactical development plan. We are not satisfied because we know we can give more. Competition continues tomorrow with another important match,” said Guatemala’s coach Julio Domínguez.

For Víctor Vázquez, coach of Puerto Rico, this match gave “a chance to play toa ll the players. They had their time of game, but we also tried to keep a good level, because Guatemala had a good third set and we had to react positively,” he indicated.

Puerto Rico will play against the United States this friday in the semifinal. Guatemala will play for the fifth place with the loser of the match between Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago.