Young Puerto Rico squad qualifies for U19 worlds with win in Costa Rica
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
“We came with an Under-17 team, but we were confident we could compete,” head coach Leira Ortiz said after Puerto Rico’s under-19 girls’ volleyball team defeated host Costa Rica in San José on Wednesday to punch the final ticket to the 2027 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship.
Team Puerto Rico squad defeated Costa Rica in straight sets, 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-23) at the National Gymnasium to advance to the semifinals of the NORCECA U19 Continental Championship. Beyond the scoreline, the victory marked the culmination of a clear mission: qualify for the World Championship first, then contend for a medal.
From the outset, Puerto Rico set a superior pace in attack and serving. The first set was a statement of control, and the second began with a commanding 7-1 run that left the Costa Rica team reeling.
The third set was a different story. Costa Rica found its rhythm, stayed within striking distance, and even took a 20-19 lead, later tying the score at 21-21 and 22-22. From there Puerto Rico executed with composed precision to close out the match and secure the cherished spot in the world championship tournament.
Puerto Rico was superior in attacks (36-18) and aces (7-4), while Costa Rica led in blocks (11-8) but committed 24 errors compared to Puerto Rico’s 20. Offensively, Anna Aquino led the way for Puerto Rico with 12 points, followed by Carinialys Román with 11.
Luciana Vargas tallied 10 points for Costa Rica.
“Our first goal was to qualify for the World Championship, and now we’re going to fight for a medal,” Ortiz said.
Costa Rica head coach Yuliana González said: “We knew Puerto Rico was a tough opponent. We found our rhythm a bit better in the third set, but it wasn’t enough. Now we have to focus on our next match.”
In the semifinals, Puerto Rico was slated to face defending champion the United States. Mexico was to take on Canada in the other bracket.
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic were to vie for fifth and sixth place.