Puerto Rico advances to semi-finals of 2012 NORCECA Olympic Qualifiers – Volleyball news
Puerto Rico edged out Mexico in the crucial match on Thursday, which enabled the winners to clinch the semi-final berth.
The Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California hosted the match that announced Puerto Rico as the qualifier of semi-finals. Puerto Rican team collected a 25-21, 25-23, 20-25, 25-19 victory over archrival Mexico and advanced to the next stage of the tournament.
Puerto Rico became the second team from Pool B to enter the semis.
Ezequiel Cruz and Juan Figueroa of Puerto Rico developed the great chemistry between them and played a big role in their team’s victory. Both of them added 20 points, apiece. Gregory Berrios did an amazingly well on defence as he had 18 digs in the match.
Mexican team was supported by Carlos Guerra, who contributed 18 points. His teammate Gerardo Contreras registered 15 points but it proved to be a failing effort for Mexicans.
Puerto Rico took solid start in the match and seized first-set victory with four-points. The start of the opening frame was even but Puerto Rico gradually got better and claimed better position.
In the next set, Mexico hit back aggressively and tried to cover the deficit. However, Puerto Rico did not allow Mexico to come up and improved to 2-0.
The hard work of Mexican finally paid off in third set and they managed to take one set with five points. Nevertheless, Puerto Rico captured the fourth set and settled for match victory.
“We were calmer in the second set during the important moments. We made many errors with balls in between that would have made the difference for us. This is what happens to us and our team. We’re disappointed with the result. We’re thinking about the game
to come. Congratulations to Puerto Rico and good luck to them in the future,” said Mexican Coach Jorge Azair after the match.
Mentor of Puerto Rico seemed glad at the opportunity of playing in the semis of the tournament. He said, “That’s a good result and it will take us to the semifinals. I’m happy with the result. We would have liked to have played better. We’re winning but
we’re not happy with the performance. But a win is a win and we’ll take it.”
Puerto Rico will take on Canada in the semi-final match on Friday. It is going to be a thrilling encounter as both teams have done tremendously well in the first round matches.
Let’s wait and see which one of them makes it to the final showdown of the 2012 NORCECA Men’s Continental Olympic Qualification Tournament.
The winner of the final match will earn the ticket to 2012 London Olympic Games.
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