Puerto Rico claim first victory in Guadalajara 

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 16, 2011 – Puerto Rico claimed its first victory in Pool B of the Women’s Volleyball Tournament of the Pan American Games after defeating hosts Mexico 3-1 (22-25, 25-21, 25-18, 25-13) before a full house at Manuel Avila Camacho Complex in Guadalajara on Sunday. The victory leveled Puerto Rico’s record at 1-1 while Mexico dropped to 0-2.

Puerto Rico held a 9-4 margin in the blocking battle and edged Mexico 4-3 in the aces category.

Sarai Alvarez was the most outstanding Puerto Rican with 20 points, all but one in attacks. Aury Cruz and Amanda Vásquez contributed 14 and 13 points respectively while Vilmarie Mojica and Stephanie Enright each had three blocks. Mexico’s Andrea Rangel and Karla Sainz finished with 13 and 10 points.

David Aleman (Puerto Rico’s Coach): “We knew it was going to be very tough, especially on the first two sets. Mexico has improved a lot. But in comparison with the first match, our service was more effective in the last one and that gave us the chance to keep our level, with a great work in reception and with our middle players.”

Vilmarie Mojica (Captain of Puerto Rico): “Today we are very happy with this result. Even though we lost the first set because we were not organized in our block and defense. But on the other sets we made the adjustments and finished the last one playing very well.”

Aurea Cruz (Player of Puerto Rico): “Overall, Mexico is still surprising us. We knew it was not going to be an easy match. We were not disciplined in our defense. We starting in trouble, but we only had to get in our rhythm. We still have a lot to do and improve, but we will prepare for tomorrow’s match.”

Mario Herrera (Coach of Mexico): “I feel a little bit sad for tonight’s defeat. We thought we could be on the next round. But at this time we only have to keep on working, to continue and I want to congratulate Puerto Rico. For our next match, possibilities exist; we are on the same track, we know that we will face USA, not its first team but is our last chance.”

Martha Revuelta (Captain of Mexico): “We are sad because we expected a positive result. We did not know how to keep on the match. Unfortunately we lost the chance of getting in the second round. The fans were always supporting us. We still have another match.”

Andrea Rangel (Player of Mexico): “It is an upset. We went out with everything in this match expecting to get in the second round. Things did not work as we wanted and we hope to see what will happen in our next match.”