Argentina moves into Pan Am Games semifinals winning pool A

LIMA, Peru, August 2, 2019. -  Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-18, 25-12, 25-18) to move into Lima 2019 Pan American Games semifinals as pool A top finisher at the Multisport Complex El Callao in Lima, Peru.

Defending champion Argentina topped pool A undefeated, without losing a set. In their last preliminary round performance Argentina was fast and had no difficulties in stopping Puerto Rico’s hitters from the beginning.

Argentina topped Puerto Rico with huge 46-27 attacking margin, 8-4 advantage in blocking and 5-1 in aces; both teams handed out 16 points from unforced errors.

Outside hitters Luciano Palonsky and Jan Martinez led Argentina with 11 points apiece; Palonsky on 8 kills and 3 aces, Martinez on 8 kills, 2 blocks and one ace. Outside hitter Pablo Guzman scored 12 points for Puerto Rico, all on kills.

Argentina is scheduled to play the second semifinal on Saturday (8:30 pm local-time) against second place of pool B.

Comments:

Jan Martínez, outside hitter Argentina: “We are glad because knowing about the high level of the Games reaching this round (semifinals) is very hard. I am happy for my team and for the individual efforts as well. Now we must think about tomorrow’s game; even not knowing who we face”.

Horacio Dileo, Head coach of Argentina: “After the first set we were already celebrating because we knew we were first in the group. We decided to give everyone a chance to play and be prepared for tomorrow; we’ve been playing for three months. They proved why they are here and showed great illusion to play, and that brings me great joy”.

Pablo Guzmán, top scorer of Puerto Rico: “I believe it was a great level. Argentina is well prepared, one of the best teams in the world no matter who is in the court, they have an excellent system and it was a learning game for us”.