TULSA, Oklahoma, USA, July 22, 2022 – Puerto Rico almost handed Brazil its first loss of the Pan American Cup, but the South Americans prevailed, 3-2 (19-25, 25-21, 25-15, 18-25, 15-8) on Friday at the Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa.
Brazil (4-0) will play for the championship on Saturday. Puerto Rico will play for third place. Puerto Rico is qualified for the 2023 FIVB Girls U19 World Championship.
Brazil led the match in aces (13-6) and blocks (16-9). Puerto Rico led in attacks (54-48). The teams each had 25 scoring errors.
The teams were tied 5-5 in the fifth set when Brazil scored on an ace and a kill, both from outside hitter Vittoria Kuehne, and Puerto Rico never recovered.
Brazil’s outside hitter Rebeca Borges led all scorers with 25 points on 19 spikes, two blocks and a match-high four aces. Vittoria finished with 18 points on 15 kills and three aces. Middle blocker Juliana Palhano scored 12 points on five spikes and a match-high seven blocks.
Puerto Rico’s left-handed opposite Grace Lopez scored 22 points on a match-high 20 attacks, one block and one ace. Outside hitter Destiny Skerrett added 15 points on 12 spikes and three blocks.
Juan Carlos Rodriguez, coach of Puerto Rico: It was a good match. The players raised their game with a great first set that was almost perfect. We recover in the room. Brazil is a taller team but not as strong. I am proud and satisfied with the work of the girls.
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