Ocasio leads Puerto Rico to 3-1 victory over Mexico

NAGOYA, Japan, October 11, 2018 - Karina Ocasio scored 18 points as Puerto Rico beat Mexico 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19) in the second round at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Thursday afternoon.

Daly Santana had 17 points and Stephanie Enright added 13 in the victory for Puerto Rico. Andrea Rangel scored a match-high 24 points in the loss for Mexico.

Puerto Rico came into the match with a 2-6 record, while Mexico was 1-7. Both teams had already been eliminated from advancing in the tournament.

Superior all-around play was the difference for Puerto Rico in the win. They served, attacked and blocked well throughout the match. Mexico fought hard but could not overcome the experience and power of their opponents.

Puerto Rico coach Jose Mieles: We are very happy with the win. It is our first win in the second round and it was hard for us. In a long competition like this fatigue and other conditions are factors. Our players did well. There are challenges ahead in future tournaments and we will go home and work on them.

Mexico coach Ricardo Naranjo: Puerto Rico played well. It was disappointing to lose. They served and attacked well. We played good in the center but could not launch attacks from there. This was a positive experience for our young players.