Nagoya, Japan, October 11, 2018 - Karina Ocasio scored 18 points as Puerto Rico beat Mexico 3-1 (25-17, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19) in the second round at the FIVB Women's World Championship on Thursday afternoon.
Daly Santana had 17 points and Stephanie Enright added 13 in the victory for Puerto Rico.
Andrea Rangel scored a match-high 24 points in the loss for Mexico.
Puerto Rico came into the match with a 2-6 record, while Mexico was 1-7. Both teams had already been eliminated from advancing in the tournament.
Superior all-around play was the difference for Puerto Rico in the win. They served, attacked and blocked well throughout the match.
Mexico fought hard but could not overcome the experience and power of their opponents.
Puerto Rico jumped out to a 10-4 lead in the first set with aggressive play on attack. Enright was prominent in the Puerto Rico offense. Mexico's Melanie Parra for Mexico sent a serve long and Puerto Rico led 16-10. A soft tap by Rangel cut Mexico's deficit to 19-14. A block by Ocasio made it 22-14 and the Puerto Ricans closed out the set 25-17 on a spike by Ocasio that was blocked out.
Mexico led 8-5 at the first TTO in the second set with improved reception and defense. Samantha Bricio had a nice block that made it 10-8 for Mexico. The Puerto Rico defense tightened and they moved ahead 12-11 on a block. Puerto Rico was up 16-15 at the second TTO after Mexico mishandled a reception. Puerto Rico's block proved difficult for Mexico and as they fell behind 21-17. The Puerto Ricans then took the set 25-19 on a block by Ocasio.
The third set was close early with Mexico going up 11-9 on a spike by Rangel. The Mexican attack was more proficient from the wings in this set. Mexico led 16-13 at the second TTO after a spike by Monica Moreno was blocked out. A spike by Parra made it 17-14 as Mexico tried to force a fourth set. Puerto Rico called a timeout while trailing 19-15. Mexico blocked and received very well in the set and Puerto Rico committed several unforced errors. Mexico claimed the set 25-18 after a Rangel spike was blocked out.
Puerto Rico had an 8-6 advantage in the fourth set after Mexico could not handle a reception. A soft tap by Ocasio extended Puerto Rico's lead to 13-7. Puerto Rico applied pressure on serve and attack to try and end the match. A nifty reverse tap by Valentine made it 16-12 at the second TTO. An ace by Valentine put Puerto Rico ahead 20-15. Puerto Rico closed out the win 25-19 on a Daly spike.