Press release

 Ankara, Turkey, August 20, 2011- Egypt middle blocker Aya Elshamy and outside hitter Mai Moustafa came up with the goods to their team at the end of a five set marathon against Puerto Rico as they guided their team to 3-2 victory (25-16, 19-25, 23-25, 25-22, 15-8) in the play off match for 13 to 16 positions at the 2011 Girls Youth World Championship here at Ankaea Arena in Turkey on Saturday.

FIVB Volleyball Girls' Youth World Championship

  The Egyptian duo of El Shamy and Moustafa played the key role as they scored a tally of 34 points constituting more than 30% of the team’s total to lead their team to the valuable victory.

 This victory granted to Egypt right to play for the 13th place match of the Championship, while Puerto Rico could compete only in 15-16 brackets. The best player in Puerto Rico's team was their captain Daly Santana who scored 24 points during the match, while among the winners the best scorer was Mai Moustafa with 18 points.

 The first set began with 4-1 run by Egypt when Puerto Rico started to increase their influence on the play. However the first technical timeout came with advantage of Egypt 8-5. Two attacks by Mai Moustafa and good reception with Perihan Ejdeeb, the Egyptian libero brought the STT with Egypt 16-12 lead. Egyptian advantage was increasing after the break, so that this set ended with Egypt's victory 25-16.

 With more tension the second set started. Puerto Rico managed to better concentrate on the game and after initially lost 3 points started a 5-0, so that Puerto Rico led 5-3. But with the lost of service by Puerto Rico's captain Daly Santana, Egypt caught up and with spike from Rana Elgouhary and went to the FTT 8-6 ahead. But their lead did not kept for a long time and Puerto Rico with Santana's hit managed to catch up 11-11. Tighter fight continued till the STT, which came with Puerto Rico's lead 16-14. Puerto Rico continued their pressure further and won this set 25-19.

The third set started with tense rallies and close counts 9-7 Puerto Rico led. Teams exchanged series of attacks and blocks but with constant performance of both the STT came with Puerto Rico lead again, 16-13. Toward the end of this set tension on the court increased and leading team changed several times. But finally Puerto Rico managed to pull through this set, 25-23.

The fourth set started again with Egypt's 11-6, and despite all efforts of Puerto Rico they could keep own advantage until the STT, 16-9. But after the break Puerto Rico rapidly started to gain points and made 3-0 run. After they almost catch up Egypt 17-18 and then both teams made their best to win this set, resulting in thrilling rallies on the court and close counts 23-21 Egypt led. With several more efforts Egypt managed to gain final two points and win the set 25-22.

 In the tiebreak several hits by Egypt's Kenzie Assem and Aya Elshami and their good reception gained them advantage 9-5. Lost service by Marie Victoria, successful hit by Elshami and her service led to Egypt's victory in this set 15-8 and in the match 3-2.