Puerto Rico will look for their fourth gold in a row at CACG

CÓRDOBA, Mexico, November 29, 2014 - Second finalists of this competition were Puerto Rico that defeated Mexico in four sets (25-21, 25-21, 23-25 and 25-14).

Juan Figueroa, Hector Soto and Maurice Torres played in a combined offense with 16, 15 and 14 points respectively.

Carlos Guerra finished with 15 points for Mexico that came from behind in the third set. Puerto Rico worked hard with their blocking game in the fourth, and with their serving strategy. However Mexico finished up 3-2 in aces with two by Pedro Rangel. Blocking was key to Puerto Rico that closed 14-9 and surrendered 31 points by mistake, while Mexico gave up 34.

Mexico will contend for the bronze medal against Cuba. Puerto Rico will match Dominican Republic, for their fourth gold medal in a row on Sunday.

“First of all, congratulations to Puerto Rico for playing such a great match. I wish you the best for the final. It is always a pleasure to play against them. We knew it was going to be a great match up. In volleyball there are always two teams that give it all, sometimes things go better on one side and this time this was not our case, however we still have the chance to play for a medal,” said Carlos Guerra, captain of Mexico.

“It was tough for Mexico, because for the last three days they had to play very long matches. Obviously we had one more day because of the rest and had more energy. We had liked to play better, we came out with a lot of anxiety because a few years ago we were eliminated by Mexico in a medal qualification round in Guadalajara”, remembered Hector Soto, captain of Puerto Rico.

“There is nothing else to say. As part of the technical staff we prepare our strategy and this time it was done according with the plays or the things we studied before. If the players were tired or had lack of energy it was up to them, but congratulations to Puerto Rico, they are favorite for their fourth gold,” stated Ivan Contreras, coach of Mexico.

“I could not say anything else either. I totally agree with my captain. Mexico was physically tired but they came out and play that third set with their heart. We had to serve very offensively and we did it in the fourth set. Maurice had very aggressive services that complicated our rival to play. We are again in the finals”, said David Aleman, coach of Puerto Rico.