The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball’s Prieto Cerame, Puerto Rico to compete in first-ever Olympic Games
05.22.2016 | Volleyball
Junior Paulina Prieto Cerame will compete in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Senior Paulina Prieto Cerame and the Puerto Rico volleyball team defeated Kenya, 3-0 (25-8, 25-23, 25-15) to qualify for its first-ever Olympic Games appearance.
The victory earned Puerto Rico the last spot available in the 12-team Olympic Games joining hosts Brazil, China, Serbia, Russia, Argentina, United States, Cameroon, Japan, Italy, Netherlands and South Korea.
Strong serving and tight defense at the net carried Puerto Rico in a lopsided first set. The local team led 8-2 and 16-5 at the technical time-outs, relying on the attack and defense of middle blockers. The set closed 25-8 with a right-wing cross-court by Ocasio, who finished with 5 points.
The Kenyans looked more relaxed in the second to lead early, but Puerto Rico came back to take the lead, 16-13. Kenya recovered to claim back the one-point lead 17-16, but at 23-23, Kenya made a defensive mistake and Cruz finished the set 25-23 with her kill from the back court.
Puerto Rico took an 8-6 lead in the third against a relentless Kenya. Finally, Puerto Rico took command of the score, 16-10. They extended the lead to 18-12 sealed the triumph and didn't look back to finish 25-15 for their ticket to Rio.
Prieto Cerame will represent Puerto Rico next in the Grand Prix in Polonia, with the Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro from August 5-21.
Postmatch Comments
On qualifying for the 2016 Olympics: (It is) UNBELIEVABLE. It will never hit me. God has blessed me with amazing things through volleyball and the people I've met. Representing my country and going to the Olympics is a dream come true.
