MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, July 19th, 2025.- Puerto Rico started on a high note beating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-12, 25-10, 25-7) in their opening match of NORCECA Women’s Final Four at the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu Coliseum in Manati, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico and Costa Rica fought at the beginning of the first set but Puerto Rico’s experience prevailed blocking away the Costa Ricans to win 25-12. Supported by their powerful serve and consistency in blocking, Puerto Rico dominated the rest of the match winning in straight sets.
The Puerto Ricans were dominant, leading 42-16 in attacks, 13-0 in blocks, and 7-0 in service points. Puerto Rico gave away 12 points from unforced errors compared to 13 from Costa Rica.
Shara Venegas, captain of Puerto Rico: “I’m very happy with our first match in our first tournament of the summer. We have many new players, and I think the veterans and the new players complemented each other well, and I’m very satisfied with today’s match. We must continue improving the consistency and serves in our individual game to reach the goals we want.”
Juan Carlos Núñez, coach of Puerto Rico: “For us, this is our first match. We didn’t have any preparation games, and we were evaluating our game and how we played. It was a match where I was able to see all the players in action and prepare for tomorrow’s match. We have to continue aligning as a group since half of the players are new, and we have to continue working to be more aggressive on our serves.”
María Castro, captain of Costa Rica: “It was a tough match. We knew Puerto Rico was going to go all out since they were at home, and we came in with the goal of doing a good job. In the end, things didn’t go as we thought. They had a great block and a very good serve. We tried to follow our coach’s instructions, and some things went well for us, others didn’t, but they helped us prepare for tomorrow’s match.”
José Briceño, coach of Costa Rica: “We knew it was going to be a very tough match emotionally, technically, tactically, since we were going to face the host and had the crowd on their side. At times, we had good rallies, but Puerto Rico’s block was quite overwhelming for our hitters, and their setter’s serve greatly affected our reception. I think we’ll get better and better, and we want to give all the players plenty of practice so they can get into their rhythm and develop.”
Costa Rica will play versus Mexico on day two of the tournament while Puerto Rico will face Trinidad and Tobago.
Before the match, a small inauguration ceremony took place with the presence of Manati’s Mayor Mr. José Sánchez González, Secretary of State Madam Rosachely Rivera Santana, President of NORCECA Mr. Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, the Director of Recreation and Sports Madam Pamela Rosado and the President of the Puerto Rican Federation Mr. César Trabanco.
The mayor of Manati expressed the importance of this tournament in the municipality for the sport, to help develop tourism and the economy. Also, he said to be honored that this event was brought to the city which will open the door to bring more high-level volleyball competitions at the international level.
The Secretary of the State was very excited for this tournament taking place in Manati: “This event is very important for Puerto Rico to develop the tourism and the sport. We thank the mayor for his support and for having this event celebrated here. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to host all these countries and witness the support of fans.
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