Puerto Rico picks up important win over Mexico

MAYAGÜEZ, Puerto Rico, August 30, 2011. - Puerto Rico had a great performance and picked up an important win 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-17) over Mexico on the last match of Tuesday night at the Men’s NORCECA Championship, that qualifies to the FIVB World Cup.

High expectations were set for this match with a dramatic first set that took Puerto Rico to the edge as the score was tied up to point 25. After that, Puerto Rico was able to take control and got into a good rhythm that earned them an important win, turning tomorrows match against Canada a crucial one to define the winner of Pool A. While for Mexico, the loss is bitter sweet and puts them in a tough spot with 0-2 win-loss record.

With 12 points, 11 and 10, Enrique Escalante, Jose Rivera and Juan Figueroa took Puerto Rico to the victory; and for Mexico, Gerardo Contreras topped with 18 points.

Victor Rivera, captain of Puerto Rico is aware that his team still needs to be more applied “Mexico shook us at the beginning but we were determined to win and we have a lot to improve”.

“Congratulations to Puerto Rico, my team has to be more disciplined to reach our goals” said Jorge Contreras, Mexican captain.

Carlos Cardona coach for the winners assured that Mexico is always difficult opponent because they never stop fighting “despite the result, Mexico gave us a hard time, we were prepared to confront them and saw their splendid performance yesterday against Canada, and we took advantage of their mistakes”.

Jorge Azair, coach of Mexico admitted that they lacked concentration “we must be more consistent and redirect our structure as our reception is weak”.