Puerto Rico cruised to victory over Barbados

 

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 6, 2008.- Puerto Rico breezed past Barbados in the nightcap of Day One of the NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualifier winning by score of  25-13, 25-12, 25-19.

 

Victor Rivera was the best Puerto Rican with 13 points and Enrique Escalante and Rene Esteves added 7 and 6 respectively.

 

“I think we have to play better tomorrow against Dominican Republic,” said Carlos Cardona, the coach of Puerto Rico. “We had to put some players into our mix in the third set and I expect to improve in the next matches before the home crowd.”

 

Puerto Rico took the first set carried on the shoulders of Luis Rodriguez who combined blocking and spiking in route to the win.

 

In the second set, the blocking Puerto Rico sent the home team to an 8-0 jump start boosted by Victor Rivera. I was a landslide since the beginning.

 

Rene Estevez came back from one year-off due to serious illness and led his side in the fourth set, not only with his ability but with his inspiring presence.