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MORELIA, Mexico, September 28. 2015. - Puerto Rico prevailed
over Mexico 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 25-16, 18-25, 15-11) in Pool B at
the NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship at Bicentenario
Auditorim of Morelia, Michoacan.
Puerto Rico earned their first win of the tournament for a 1-1
record and a total of five points; Mexico drops to 1-1 and
stands with seven points.
The first set started off strong with long rallies and Puerto
Rico was able to hold off Mexico mostly by their middle
blockers. Puerto Rico held advantage in the second set as Mexico
had many unforced errors but they persevered in strong spikes to
tie the match. Puerto Rico dominated Mexico in the third set
with a more organized performance. In the fourth Mexico’s serves
really hurt Puerto Rico to extend the match to a tie-breaker.
Puerto Rico managed to control Mexico with margin in blocking
12-9, while Mexico held 64-57 advantage in kills. Both teams
scored on 3 aces. Puerto Rico scored on 34 errors by Mexico.
Karina Ocasio tallied 17 points as Puerto Rico’s top scorer,
also contributing were Aury Cruz (14), Alexandra Oquendo (13),
Estephanie Enright (12) and Lynda Morales (11). Mexico was led
by Opposite Dulce Carranza scored 27 points for a match-high, on
23 kills and 4 block, followed by Andrea Rangel with 22 points
and Lizbeth Sainz chipped in with 11 points.
Pool B pool-play concludes on Tuesday with Puerto Rico (1-1)
against Trinidad and Tobago (0-2) and Mexico (1-1) meets
Dominican Republic (2-0).
Captain Yarimar Rosa of Puerto Rico said “Mexico is a tough
opponent, they played very well. As for our performance, we had
trouble settling on our blocking and our spikers worked harder
to score. The fifth set wasn’t easy and we are glad to have
earned the victory”.
Captain Dulce Carranza of Mexico said “the team performed well,
but we need to improve on our consistency to remain effective in
every skill; it was mentally challenging and it’s difficult to
accept the loss”.
Juan Carlos Nuñez coach of Puerto Rico said “we entered the
match after playing a five-setter to Dominican Republic which
was demanding, so today’s passing and blocking weren’t as
effective. Karina had a good performance today and our blockers
needed more focus. Mexico pressured very well on their serves
and their setter distributed the ball well”.
Coach Jorge Azair of Mexico said “I am not glad with the outcome
but I am satisfied with my teams’ performance. Our serves were
powerful and presented difficulties as well; this was our best
skill because Puerto Rico had trouble with their passing while
my setter was very effective. Mexico needs to stay calm to make
important decisions during the match. I believe we can do well
against Dominican Republic if our serves work out as today”.
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