Puerto Rico undefeated to gold medal match

PONCE, Puerto Rico, May 24, 2014 – Puerto Rico breezed past Barbados in straight sets (25-4, 25-8, 25-8) to conclude the preliminary phase of the NORCECA Women’s World Championship Pool R Tournament with an undefeated 3-0 record.

For the second night in a row the Puerto Rican squad dominated their rivals in attacks (36-9) and in serving aces (14-0) in a match practically without opposition.

Vanessa Velez had 15 points to lead the winners while Alexandra Oquendo and Aury Cruz added 6 and 5 points, respectively. Julia Lewis had four points for the defeated side.

“We have been able to play our game and the serves have been effective,” Puerto Rico’s coach Jose Mieles said. “All the three setters have done the job and the middle blockers too.”

“We have been consistent finishing the sets very fast but can’t get over confident,” Puerto Rican captain Yarimar Rosa said.

“We faced a great team that dominated us in every phase,” Barbados’ coach Andrew Brathwaite said.