United States improves 2-0 defeating Puerto Rico

HERMOSILLO, Mexico, August 22, 2022.- The United States improved 2-0 in pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-22) at the Sonora Arena of Hermosillo.

The U. S. had to work harder in the third set trailing on four-point run (11-15) moving ahead sweeping Puerto Rico in their tournament debut.  

The United States held a huge 43-26 advantage in attacks and an 11-8 margin in blocks; Puerto Rico had a slim 5-4 margin in aces. Both teams committed a similar number of unforced errors, Puerto Rico a total of 17 and the United States 18.

Outside hitter Avery Skinner of the United States scored a match-high of 15 points all on kills, middle blocker Brionne Butler contributed with 10 points, including the most blocks with 5 points and opposite hitter Nia Reed added 9 points on 7 kills and 2 blocks.

Middle blocker Paola Rojas led Puerto Rico’s offense with 11 points on 5 kills, 3 blocks and 3 aces; opposite hitter Genesis Collazo and outside hitter Pilar Victoria registered 8 points each.

Danielle Drews of USA against Puerto Rico’s double block

The U.S. (2-0) will have the day off on Tuesday and Puerto Rico (0-1) faces the Dominican Republic (2-0).

Bradley Rostratter, head coach of United States: “It was a fun match, Puerto Rico played well and for us it’s really about our side of the net; us learning, gluing together, and getting better with what we do, with our USA volleyball. Tomorrow, we will rest, but we will be here in the gym watching volleyball”.

Hector Soto, head coach of Puerto Rico: “We are OK and satisfied with the girls’ performance, this is our first match together, we didn’t have any practice matches. This is an evaluation for some of the players. We saw good things, such as the confidence they went on growing to improve their offense which started a bit off, they committed errors and went on improving, in addition to fighting up to the end”.

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