Puerto Rico reaches the semis with victory over Panama

PANAMA CITY; Panama, June 25, 2011 – Puerto Rico defeated Panama 3-0 (25-14, 25-14, 25-17) to secure a ticket to the semifinals of the U-21 Men’s Volleyball Pan American Cup, at Roberto Duran Arena on Saturday.

Noah Marrero with 12 points and Josué Rivera with 7 were the best players for the Puerto Rican side while Pablo Quiel and Manuel Gomez recorded six points apiece for the Panamanians.

Puerto Rico’s Coach Carlos Rodríguez said they want to continue improving their volleyball level knowing that from now on there are not small enemies. Puerto Rico will meet Venezuela in Sunday’s semifinals - the favorite team to win the cup according to Rodriguez.

Josue Rivera, captain of Puerto Rico: “We plan to go step by step hoping for a semifinal victory. Panama has tall and good players who soon will be in the senior national team, they only need more work.”

Panama’s coach Elliot Clarke commented about the very good experience and the many things they learned during the tournament. “Puerto Rico plays a very explosive game and they didn’t that against us. We were confused at the beginning.”

The same opinion was expressed by Pablo Quiel, captain of Panama, since he considered Puerto Rico didn’t field the team they were expecting.