United States claim Bronze Medal against Puerto Rico

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, August 3, 2014 – United States defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 ( 26-24, 25-19, 27-25) in the match for the bronze medal of the NORCECA Men’s U21 Continental Championship.

United States and Puerto Rico engaged in a great battle with the difference the best blocking of the Americans who led 13-6 and also in kills 34-30. Puerto Rico topped in aces 5-2. The winners also scored 29 points on Puerto Rico’s errors while committing 27.

Puerto Rico had the opportunity to win the first set, but the United States’ blocking was strong with Kevin Rakestraw and Benjamin Plaisted at the net.

Storm Faagata-Tufuga led Estados Unidos in scoring with 13 points, 9 on kills and 4 blocks. Benjamin Plaisted added 12 points, on 9 attacks and 3 blocks. Jon Rivera led the scorers of Puerto Rico with 13 points.

Quotes

Daniel Friend, United States’ Coach: “The boys grew up a lot. They only had 20 days together. We got hurt by injuries and one player got sick so it was very difficult. The third place is a very good for our team and our country. It gives us a lot of pride.”

Juan Avilés, Puerto Rico’s Coach: “Today we didn’t have our best game. We made many mistakes, in serve, block and the defense was not the best. You can’t win playing like that. We must think about working for the next cycle.”