Puerto Rico misses another chance to break the ice – 2011 FIVB World League
Team Puerto Rico received another blow from Poland on Friday, June 24. The two teams met in the opening match of 5th week of 2011 FIVB World League Prelims. Poles performed amazingly well and outdo Puerto Ricans.
They claimed the match by posting 3-1 (24-26, 28-26, 25-22, and 25-17) on board. The Orlen Sports Arena in Plock, Poland hosted the thrilling match, which attracted more than 5,000 spectators. The clash of titans continued for 2.12 hrs and finally Poland
emerged as the successful team. Puerto Rico slipped another chance to break the ice in 2011 FIVB World League.
The first-time qualifier of FIVB World League has not won any of its matches in the preliminary robin round.
Match overview
The match was close fight from start till end. Puerto Rico came strong on Poles in the opening set and threw unstoppable speed bombs. Equally active, Polish team responded in same tone and spiked the ball hard. As a result, it turned into a heated competition.
Puerto Rico led the score at the first technical timeout but Poland’s Kurek Bartosz tied the score at 12-all. Puerto Rico’s Hector Soto did a great job and once again put his team in lead. After an exchange of tiring long rallies, Puerto Rico managed to secure
the opening set with 2-point margin.
The second set also had sort of symmetry with the previous set. Both sides attacked with full ferocity and didn’t miss any shot. It was a point to point fight. Puerto Rico had the competitive edge of winning first set, so they picked up lead in second set
as well. However, Poland fought its way back to the top and gained the control of operations. Puerto Rico lagged behind and couldn’t catch up with Poland. Second set ended in Poland’s favour and scoreboard showed the tie of 1-1.
The hosts attained the real rhythm and tone for making more progress. They opened the third set with commanding shots and hit the opponents from all sides. Polish hitters played fast and stormed rivals’ half with wonderful cross court shots. As the third
set reached the closing stage, both teams staged very sensible play. Poland proved to be better side and extended its lead to 2-1.
The local fans were on top of their toes. They made huge noises and encouraged the team to put an end to the game in fourth set. Polish ‘army’ responded fans’ uproar and held off Puerto Rico for victory in fourth set. Puerto Ricans failed to overcome the
resilient rivals and accepted defeat in the match.
Post-match comments
Hector Soto, the skipper of Puerto Rican side said, “We had a good start to the match. We did what we wanted, we minimized mistakes. However, Poland's service was very good, it was a big trouble for us. We did a good job with defence and block, but it wasn't
enough. That's why they won.”
Carlos Cardona, the mentor of Puerto Rican Team was not happy about lot of errors his team committed. He said his team played worst.
Head Coach of Poland, Andrea Anastasi was indeed satisfied with a great performance of his team.
He commented, “It was not a perfect night for us. I remember Puerto Rico from the World Championships in Italy – it is a very good team, so we knew it would be difficult. We started with a lot of mistakes, but after that it was better. I am proud of the
guys that they stayed focused and managed to eliminate the mistakes.”
The captain of Polish team Michal Bakiewicz was also delighted about the success of his team. He called it difficult match as Puerto Rico put up valiant effort. He also opined that next match will also be a cracking fight.
Poland and Puerto Rico are scheduled to play their next match on Saturday, June 25.
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