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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, August 15, 2021.- Puerto
Rico won the Bronze Medal after defeating
Suriname 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 29-27) at the
Women’s U23 Pan American Cup in Aguascalientes.
Suriname attackers forced Puerto Rico’s defense
to resist a nail biting finish. Puerto Rico and
Suriname are two of the four teams qualified to
the Junior Pan American Games to be held in Cali,
Colombia later this year.
Puerto Rico edged Suriname with a huge 44-19
margin in attacks; while Suriname held an
impressive 10-3 blocking advantage. Puerto Rico
did better in serves 4-2 and committed 38 errors
against 30 from Suriname.
Opposite Ana Beatriz Fuertes of Puerto Rico
topped all scorers with 17 points and middle
blocker Karolina Rodriguez collected 11 points.
Outside hitters Cabriella Bouterse and Margaret
Ketura with 10 points apiece led Suriname’s
offense.
Paola Martell, Captain of Puerto Rico: “It was a
dramatic finish, we are really excited with the
victory, we were able to adjust and resist,
Suriname had a great match”.
José Rivera Guinand, Coach of Puerto Rico: “This
was challenging for us, we came with younger
players to a difficult competition and with
great level. I am lvery glad, the girls kept
focused on every point they needed to win. The
players now understand why the physical work
after the matches they had here”.
Cabriella Bouterse, Captain of Suriname: “I
would say that our lack of experience made the
difference, this is their level and we’re just
getting there”.
“Diría que nuestra falta de experiencia hizo la
diferencia, este es el nivel de ellas y nosotras
apenas estamos alcanzándolo”.
Eric Aikman, Coach of Suriname: “Experience was
the difference; Puerto Rico has played far more
matches than we have.
This was our first time at this level”.
“La diferencia la hizo la experiencia; Puerto
Rico ha jugado más que nosotros. Esta fue
nuestra primera vez a este nivel”. |
