PONCE, PUERTO RICO, August 10, 2023.- Colombia recovered after losing the first two sets and won the next three to close the group stage with a victory, 3-2 (18-25, 21-25, 25 -20, 25-17, 15-10), against Peru in the fifth day of the XX Senior Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at the Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce.
Peru came out aggressive to play and had total dominance in the first two sets. The Peruvians did not give the Colombian squad opportunities to establish their game. But in the third, the awakening of Colombia came after the first technical timeout, 8-4, for Peru. Colombia came from behind to even the score, 11-11, and from then on it would be another game, which stretched to five sets.
In the fifth set, Peru came out determined to regain control and led 4-2. Colombia tied it, 4-4, and from then on never looked back until the victory, 15-9.
Colombia had three players with over 20 points. Dayana Segovia was the best scorer with 24 points (19 attacks, 4 blocks, 1 ace); Ana Karina Grajales (21 attacks) and Amanda Coneo (18 attacks, 1 block, 2 aces) contributed 21 points each. For Peru, Ysabella Sánchez with 22 points (19 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace); Karla Ortiz with 18 points (16 attacks, 2 aces); and Flavia Montes with 10 points (8 attacks, 2 blocks).
Colombia led 69-59 in attacking points and 12-7 in blocks. Peru did better in points from serves 8-4.
With this victory, Colombia closed the group stage with a 3-1 record and awaits its rival in the quarterfinals.
Antonio Rizola Nieto, Coach of Colombia: “The attitude of the first two sets was not good, we must play more aggressive with Peru and much more focused. When we took the right attitude, we had the result. Peru is a team that plays seriously, and we played unfocused in the first two sets, then we led the game. The second round will be very difficult. We await to meet our opponent and prepare all night.”
Dayana Segovia, Best Scorer of Colombia: “We changed our attitude and things began to work out. We entered the court very calmly and we didn’t fight for the balls. When we changed our attitude, we made things happen for us. This victory is very important for us because it puts us in a good position for the second round. We are happy because Peru is a team with which we play a lot, and they know us well. We knew it would be difficult but, thank God, we were able to get the victory”.
Francisco Hervas Tirado, Coach of Peru: “We were playing very well but these things happen in volleyball. There are moments when we have gotten stuck in a rotation, and we have given them the advantage. From there, we have lost the intensity that we had up to now; and that’s what we needed to beat a team like Colombia. But I’m happy with the team’s effort and we must keep working because there’s still a long tournament left”.
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