USA proves too strong for Puerto Rico in Pool B – Volleyball News
Under-19 men’s volleyball team from USA clashed with Puerto Rico in the opening match of NORCECA Continental Volleyball Championship on Monday, July 2.
The American young-guns displayed incredible action on the net and sent Puerto Rico to a loss in straight sets. The match ended with final score of 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-18) and awarded USA with first win in the competition. Mexican city Tijuana created
an excellent environment for the match. Both teams played under the tag of Pool B, which also has Mexico and US Virgin Islands in it.
Puerto Rico’s Juan Ruiz Goyco and Jose Pagan created enough trouble for US team with their solid spikes and tricky bump passes. Goyco notched up 15 points and emerged as the top-scorer in the match. Likewise, Pagan contributed 12 points and settled for the
position of second best scorer. The duo performed exquisitely well, but it proved to be a failing effort for them as the team dropped the decision.
On the other hand, Lee Smith of US team finished with 11 points and led his team to success.
There was extremely no telling about the possible outcome of the match as the action started in first set. Puerto Ricans supplied plenty of power to the ball and produced commanding shots. However, the defensive expert of American team did a wonderful job
at reception. In the meanwhile, the US team hit back and responded Puerto Rico in the same tone. The exchange of long rallies and race for points created a great vibe in the competition. After many ups and downs, US team managed to secure first set with small
margin of two points.
The raged-up Puerto Ricans threw everything in attack to cover the shortfall in the second set. Nevertheless, the second set progressed in the similar fashion and once again favoured US team. Puerto Rico suffered the loss of another set in row with two-point
deficit.
Third set also came successful for USA and the team finished the match in straight sets.
“This was the first International experience for the boys and they did a good job adjusting the block. We are very excited about playing this tournament, and Mexico has been a great host in this tournament,” American coach Daniel Friend said.
Puerto Rican coach Carlos Rodriguez also commented about the match in the following manner: “We came to this tournament with great expectations, despite the loss, it doesn’t mean we are out of medals chance, fortunately we are in a pool still with good chances,”
he mentioned.
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