Puerto Rico wins third consecutive gold medal

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, July 29, 2010 - Puerto Rico claimed its third consecutive men’s volleyball gold medal and fourth overall in the history of the Central American and Caribbean Games by defeating Venezuela in a thrilling five-setter (18-25, 25-22, 25-19, 20-25, 20-18) at the final match before a sold out crowd at Mayaguez Sport Palace on Thursday.

The 15th FIVB world-ranked Puerto Ricans had Hector Soto as their best scorer with 25 points. Victor Rivera contributed 19 while Jose Rivera and Enrique Escalante charted 14 and 11 respectively. Venezuelan Carlos Tejeda topped his side with 19 points. Harry Gomez, Luis Diaz and Fredy Cedeno compiled 17, 14 and 10.

“The third gold medal is very special because I earned in front of my parents, my wife and my little daughter,” the MVP elected Soto said. “I am going to enjoy it.”