Debutant Puerto Rico squad optimistic in week-two: FIVB World League – Volleyball news
The first-time qualifiers of the FIVB World League, Puerto Rico started their 2011 campaign last week. The boys around head coach Carlos Cardona entered the competition with high hopes and a determination to make a name for themselves. Sadly, the team could
not make a good start and dropped both matches to defending champions Brazil. The city of San Juan in Puerto Rico set up the field for play but the hosts couldn’t take advantage of the home matches. Brazil posted straight-set wins over Puerto Rico in the 2011
FIVB World League opener, last Friday. The second match also had some sort of symmetry with the previous matches as Puerto Rico totally collapsed in front of the strong Brazilian squad.
In the next run, Puerto Rico is scheduled to take on another strong team in the tournament. Team U.S.A, the 2010 Grand Prix champions, is ready to give a hard time to Puerto Rico. The US played against Poland in the first week and the encounter between
two internationally renowned teams ended with the final score of 1-1. USA dropped the opening match but made a great come-back in the second match.
The star player and captain of the U.S. Team, William Reid Priddy said, “We are still trying to find our rhythm and this is a big week for us. We are fortunate to have come here early and train more than usual before the matches. After all the travelling
we are looking forward to our next games.”
The head coach of American team, Alan Knipe, is all focused on the match against Puerto Rico. Knipe was happy with his team’s performance against Poland in the previous match. He appreciated their team-work in overcoming their mistakes from the first set.
He is confident that American side will do better against Puerto Rico.
On the other hand, Team captain of Puerto Rico, Hector Soto, is of the opinion that they still have the chance to return in the game. He said that they made good use of the time after losing to Brazil. They underwent extensive practice and worked on their
weaknesses. He seemed sure to bring different results in the upcoming matches against US.
Likewise, the Puerto Rican head coach, Carlos Cardona, has faith in his players. He stated that US. Team would be a tough contender but Puerto Rico will try its best to cope with the power of their opponents. He said, “I will say the same as last week and
the same I will say next week. This is a tough rival, with great quality and hierarchy. We keep working hard to beat these kinds of teams and also to improve our game. I can feel we are growing up slowly but with sure steps.”
The courts will be set to for the clash as the two teams look to make an impact on the tables this week.
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