Peru – team
The key moment of the match came in the middle of the third set when Puerto Rico led 14-10, but could not pull clear.
Pilar Victoria topped the scores with 22 points for Puerto Rico while Milagros Rodriguez was the best scorer for Peru with 15 points.
Peru could not hide their tension in the beginning of the first set after their unexpected 2-3 loss versus Chinese Taipei on Friday. Nevertheless, the team of coach Natalia Malaga came back muscularly in the second set with Milagros Rodriguez and captain Ginna Lopez on fire. A 14-10 lead was not good enough for Puerto Rico to pull through in the third set and Peru never looked back.
Peru coach Natalia Málaga Dibos: “It is the first major international tournament for my players. Yesterday we could not handle the pressure, so we are glad that we managed to do it today.”
Peru captain Ginna Lopez: “We were under pressure yesterday and unfortunately lost. Today, we needed strong nerves in the beginning of the match. Luckily, we increased our playing level during the game.“
Puerto Rico coach Carlos J. Cruz: “We wanted to win today, but Peru played better. We need to work especially with our setters and passers to improve our performance.“
Puerto Rico captain Marie Pilar Victoria: “Obviously we are disappointed, but still, we played quite well. Finally Peru was the stronger squad today.“
Peru will continue their Women’s U20 World Champs operation on Sunday versus the Dominican Republic while Puerto Rico takes on Chinese Taipei.
To read more news from this competition click on Junior World Championship 2013 W.
