Pool G hosts Puerto Rico gear up for World League return

CAROLINA, Puerto Rico, June 5, 2014 – With Puerto Rico’s return to the FIVB Volleyball World League only a matter of a few days away, the island national is gearing up to welcoming Spain, Slovakia and China to the Caribbean for the start of the Group 3 matches. 

This weekend the newly renovated Coliseo Guillermo Angulo will host Puerto Rico’s second appearance in the men’s volleyball most prestigious annual tournament. 

On Friday June 6, Slovakia take on Spain, before the hosts meet China. A day later China and Spain clash before Puerto Rico meet Slovakia and then to wrap up the three days of action, China play Slovakia before Puerto Rico clash with Spain. 

“We are very excited because we are part of the World League for the second time and the city of Carolina is preparing itself for these big four national teams,” president of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, Mr. Nelson Perez Cruz said.

Puerto Rico coach David Aleman has named Angel Perez as team captain, who is one of two setters, along with Edgardo Goas. Jose Rivera, Juan 'Juanchi' Figueroa, Ezequiel Cruz and Jackson Rivera are outside spikers; Roberto Muniz, Roman and Pedrito Sierra Mannix are centres and the opposites Maurice Torres and Hector "Picky" Soto. Dennis Del Valle is the libero. 

“We have worked hard and we are ready,” David Aleman said. “We will be a united squad and battle hard this weekend.

“I believe that we have four similar teams and that there will be a good level of competition. Our national team is ready to face China, and we know Spain as we have played against them in the past. This will be the first opportunity we get to play with Slovakia.”