Italian players with the Olympic mascot after their last match of the tournament
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 14, 2016 – Italy swept Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-22) in the last match for both teams in Pool B of women’s volleyball tournament at Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Sunday afternoon.
Italy left the competition with a 1-4 win-loss record, while Puerto Rico went home from their first Olympic experience without winning a single set in five matches.
It was the last match also for Italian captain Antonella del Core who announced her retirement from the game after a long and successful career.
Italy held advantages of 10-5 and 5-1 in blocks and aces, respectively, while dominating the opponents in attacks 42-27.
Paola Egonu and Fatima Sylla had three blocks each to go with 17 and 12 points, respectively, as the best Italian scorers.
Karina Ocasio and Daly Santana led Puerto Rico with 9 and 8 points in the loss.
Egonu led Italy with six points in the opening set where Puerto Rico suffered from sub-par reception and could have their offence going.
After leading by just one point at 8-7, Italy sparked an 8-3 run and went on to win the second set by wide margin.
Italy erased a 3-point deficit and claimed their only victory with a 25-22 score in the third set.
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