Puerto Rico net another 3-1 win over Poland

Puerto Rico posted another victory on the second week of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix, after beating Poland 3-1 (25-18, 25-18, 18-25, 25-22) in Pool O at the Topsport Centre Doetinchem.

Key Points

· Puerto Rico and Poland met for the second week in a row; Puerto Rico won both matches 3-1.

· Poland became the first European side losing more than once against Puerto Rico in the World Grand Prix.

· Puerto Rico have already qualified for the Final Four of Group 2; Poland qualified as hosts.

· Poland player Malwina Smarzek did not even start in the first set and did not see action in the second frame, but she ended up as the team’s top scorer.

Puerto Rico took an early lead in the first set 5-2 as Aurea Cruz’s dominated from the three-metre attack line. Puerto Rico built a strong advantage of 13-6, then increased again at 16-6. Poland tried to cut down the lead at 16-11 but could not prevent Puerto Rico from locking the first set 25-18.

Poland started strong in the second set 5-1 but Puerto Rico were quick to react and scored four points in a row to tie the score at 5-all. Puerto Rico team led 8-6 going into the first break. Puerto Rico managed to maintain the slim lead 16-14. Poland were not able to close the gap until Aurea Cruz ended the set with a block 25-18.

Poland had another great start taking a seven-point lead at 10-3 in the third set. Poland fought hard and fought to got back in business taking a comfortable 14-7 cushion. Puerto Rico kept their focus and managed to come close 18-17. Poland scored on important points during that raised their lead 23-17. Smarzek scored the last point with an ace 25-18.

Puerto Rico took a six-point margin going into the second technical timeout 16-10. Poland still refused to give up as they closed the gap 22-21. Karina Ocasio finally secured the match with a 25-22 success for Puerto Rico.

Podobne newsy