Puerto Rico beat Argentina 3-2 (23-25, 25-23, 25-19, 17-25, 15-13) - duration 2:00
01-Sep, start time: 15:00, end time: 17:00 - Attendance: 1,012 Puerto Rico remain undefeated after victory over Argentina
Sensation in the SachsenARENA when the underdogs from Puerto Rico defeat Argentina in five sets. Puerto Rico is leader of Pool C now with three victories. Both Puerto Rico and Argentina started well focused into the first set and fought hard for each point. At the first technical time-out Puerto Rico lead slightly with 8-7. The spectators then saw an even match (13-13), only at the second technical time-out Argentina was able to get ahead by two points thanks to some very good serves by Ma Laura Vincente (16-14). Although Puerto Rico got back on track Argentina won the first set 25-23. Argentina took off very fast (5-1) in the second set. In the middle of the set Argentina's key player Carolina Costagrande took on responsibility and led her team to a 14-9 lead thanks to some spectacular attacks. With an improved middle block, Puerto Rico came back (20-21) and took the second set at 25-23. Puerto Rico started the third set highly motivated. Especially Aurea Cruz scored some nice points. At the first technical time-out Puerto Rico lead 8-5 and then showed great volleyball (16-11). Puerto Rico's secure blocking and surprising attacks were the trump cards to win the third set (25-19). The fourth set started with just a slight advantage for Argentina's "panthers" (8-5). And this balance of power remained the same throughout most of the set, Argentina convinced by powerful attacks, led 16-12 at the second technical time-out. Argentina kept the lead and won the fourth set clearly with 25-17. The match was decided in the tie-breaker. In a well-balanced fifth set Argentina led 8-7 at the end change half-way in the deciding set. Puerto Rico fought back (12:10) and grabbed the fifth set 15-13. For Puerto Rico it was again a surprising victory after defeated Dominican Republic on Saturday. Although the team of head coach David Aleman is not a contender for the top positions, the results on the first days were fantastic. Carolina Costagrande (ARG) was by far the best player of the match with 33 points.
