USA fights hard to defeat Puerto Rico

CIUDAD JUAREZ, México, July 2, 2011 - USA had to battle hard to defeat Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 25-17) in the second day of action in Pool B at the 10^th Women´s Pan American Cup in Universidad Autonoma Ciudad Juarez.

USA was challenged by a Puerto Rican team that continuously pressed during the match, but finished up with their second win in Pool B. For Puerto Rico things got tough as one of their key players, outside hitter Aury Cruz had to be taken off the court after a bad landing which injured her right ankle during the second set.

Nicole Fawcett was the best scorer for USA with 13 points while Sarai Alvarez topped Puerto Rico with 10.

 “Puerto Rico is a great opponent, we had long rallies but we fulfilled our game plan and I’m very proud of my team for the victory,” said Jennifer Tamas, USA team captain.

Vilmarie Mojica of Puerto Rico said: “We made a lot of errors in the service and we tried to have a high performance, but in the end USA dominated us”.

USA’s coach, Hugh McCutcheon indicated: “I’m happy with my team, it was a real good match and we knew that Puerto Rico was going to battle, but maybe their errors in the service made the difference.”

“We were able to receive very well and we had a good defense but USA’s fast pace hurt us, as much as our service errors,” said Puerto Rican’s coach David Aleman.