Puerto Rico blanks Cuba for bronze at Women’s Final Six in Mexico
By THE STAR STAFF
Puerto Rico earned its second-ever bronze medal at the NORCECA Women’s Final Six after defeating Cuba 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-23) on Sunday at the Juan Fernández Albarrán Sports Complex in Zinacantepec in the Mexican state of Mexico.
Puerto Rico finished the tournament with a 3-4 record, while Cuba closed at 2-5.
The unbeaten United States team defeated Mexico in four sets on Sunday night to win the gold medal.
Puerto Rico made the biggest difference at the net, holding a wide 14-6 advantage in blocks. It also outperformed Cuba in attacks (41-39) and serves (4-1), while committing one fewer error (15-16).
After Puerto Rico controlled the first set by nine points, the second became a tight battle with the lead changing hands. Puerto Rico prevailed and then held off Cuba in another hard-fought third set, 25-23, to clinch the bronze medal.
“We are very happy with the medal. No one remembers how you start [two losses to open the tournament[, only how you finish, so we are very satisfied,” said Dariana Hollingsworth, Puerto Rico’s top scorer. “In the end, it came down to commitment and discipline. Cuba made adjustments too; they always come out fighting in every match, and we admire them because they play with a lot of heart.”
Hollingsworth led Puerto Rico with a match-high 21 points, while Adriana Rodríguez added 13. Middle blocker Neira Ortiz also played a key role with nine points, including five blocks, the highest total of the match.
Whitney James led Cuba with 12 points and was the only Cuban in double figures.
PR’s Ortiz, Hollingsworth earn individual awards
Ortiz was recognized as Best Blocker, while Hollingsworth earned the award for Best Opposite of the tournament.
United States setter Rachel Fairbanks was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after helping her team clinch its second-straight title.
Mexico’s Sofía Maldonado stood out at the individual awards ceremony, earning four honors: Best Spiker, Best Receiver, Best Server and Top Scorer.
Ella Powell of the U.S. was named Best Setter, while Yaneirys Rodriguez of the Dominican Republic earned two honors, Best Libero and Best Defender.
American Eva Hudson earned the award for Second Best Spiker, while the Dominican Republic’s Geraldine González was named Second Best Blocker.
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