Former Gator Cruz Leads Puerto Rico to Bronze Medal
Sunday, July 5, 2009 | Volleyball
Former Florida volleyball All-American Aury Cruz (Levittown, Puerto Rico) turned in a match-high 23 kills to lead the Puerto Rican National Team to a 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20) victory against the United States in the Bronze-Medal Match of the Eighth Women's Pan American Cup on Saturday at the University of Miami's BankUnited Center.
Puerto Rico finished the tournament in third place while the United States, which featured former Gator All-American Jane Collymore (Seattle) on its roster, finished fourth in the event. Earlier in the tournament, the USA defeated Puerto Rico in four sets on the final day of pool play.
Cruz led all scorers with 27 points in the match including four blocks to complement her 23 kills. Sarai Alvarez added 20 points with 19 kills and an ace, while current Florida International senior Yarimar Rosa and Sheila Ocasio each chipped in eight points in the victory.
Danielle Scott-Arruda led the U.S. with 14 points via 10 kills and four blocks. Nancy Metcalf contributed 13 points on 10 kills and three blocks, while Kristin Richards added 11 points on 10 kills and one ace.
Puerto Rico outscored the U.S. 61-46 in kills to offset a 13-10 block disadvantage and 14 service errors.
“This victory represents a good finish to the tournament,” Puerto Rico head coach Carlos Cardona said. “We played with a lot confidence as it was hard to go through the U.S. defense.”
“Congratulations to Puerto Rico, as they certainly deserved to win the match,” United States head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. “We came out flat and never got into any rhythm. Puerto Rico was able to return the big points when they needed them.”
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