Brazil grabs second win at Guadalajara Games

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 25, 2011 – World and Pan American champions Brazil captured its second victory in as many outings in Pool B of the men’s volleyball tournament at the Pan American Games by defeating Puerto Rico in straight sets (25-22, 25-14, 25-18) on Tuesday. The defeated side dropped to a 0-2 win-loss mark.

The winners scored with 13 blocks and 5 service aces against 7 and 2 respectively by Puerto Rico.

Brazil’s Luiz Fonteles was the only player in the game who finished with double figures in the score charts with just 10 points. Thiago Alves contributed 9 points to the win while Gustavo Endres and Wallace De Souza each registered 8. Puerto Rico’s Roberto Muñiz charted eight points.

Bruno Rezende (Captain of Brazil): “We played against a very experienced team like Puerto Rico. We knew that this was going to be a key match. On the first set we failed in our counterattack. After that we improved our service, and we complicated the work of Puerto Rico. Tomorrow we will think about the classification and to clinch a berth in the semifinals.”

Héctor Soto (Captain of Puerto Rico): “We came out top lay with the mentality of at least stealing one set from Brazil, Obviously that is not the kind of attitude you have to show, but with little training time, we see tomorrow’s match more important. Today’s match was more difficult. We had a chance on the first set, but we could close it better.”

Rubinho Leonaldo (Coach of Brazil): “We played a good service that made an easier blocking and defensive strategy for us. We had good choices and chances for the counterattack. This was a characteristic of the match, with good service. We kept a good service reception, and did a good job on the attack.”

Carlos Cardona (Coach of Puerto Rico): “The score was fair. They dominated the match with their service with a lot of pressure and very few mistakes. Our game on the outside attack was controlled by their blocking game. Brazil is a superior team.”