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Puerto Rico came from behind to beat Peru in five sets

CALI, Colombia, December 3, 2021. - Puerto Rico came back from a two-set deficit to beat Peru 3-2 (19-25, 13-25, 25-20, 25-19, 15-13) in the women’s volleyball tournament of the I Junior Pan American Games Cali-Valle 2021.

Puerto Rico finished the preliminary round with 1-2 record in pool B and 4points, Peru with the same record and 9 points; the final positions will depend on the result between Brazil and Dominican Republic, deciding which two teams move forward into the semifinals.

Puerto Rico’s ongoing defense in blocks and reception stunned Peru that put their qualification in jeopardy.

Despite Peru’s 61-46 advantage in attacks, Puerto Rico led 13-10 in blocks and scored on 36 opponent errors against 29.  Both teams scored 2 aces.

Four players led both teams attacking. On Puerto Rico’s side, outside hitters Valeria Flores and Ivania Ortíz with 14 points each, middle blocker Jaylibeth Garcia scored 6 blocks from her 10 points and opposite hitter Keishlyann Sánchez added 10 points. Peru was led by outside hitters Aixa Vigil and Kiara Montes with 14 points each, outside hitter Ysabella Sánchez contributed with 11 points and opposite hitter María Paula Rodriguez with 10 points.

Ivania Ortíz, captain of Puerto Rico: “It was a really exciting victory; we never gave up. In the third set we had our minds set in giving all we had and it worked. We kept our heads up, defended and blocked, putting Peru out of system; and we were smart in offense”.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez, head coach of Puerto Rico: “Our change in setter worked well, we distributed the game better and controlled the actions; I believe our blocking and serve were crucial in winning”.