Puerto Rican players clash in volleyball match at Penn State

Puerto Rican players clash in volleyball match at Penn State

January 22, 2011

University Park, PA

In a clash between Puerto Rican volleyball promises, the no. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions defended their home court for the second consecutive night and had a three set victory (25-22, 25-15, 25-18) over the Springfield College Pride.

Penn State Senior libero Dennis Del Valle (Toa Alta, PR) led his team with ten digs and his teammate Edgardo Goas had thirty two assists.

The Saturday night match reunited two former “Borinquen Volleyball Club” players. Goas played against his old teammate from Puerto Rico, Alberto Bravo (Toa Baja, PR).

Bravo (Senior Opposing Hitter) made a total of seven kills in the third set, but the Pride was unable to beat a Penn State team that showed some defensive resilience during the last two sets of the match.

“Not being on the starting lineup today gave me the motivation to focus more and play hard whenever the coach gave me the opportunity”, expressed Bravo.

He finished the match with a team-high of eight kills.

Penn State had Joe Sunders as its best scorer with 17 points, including 15 kills.

For Del Valle and Bravo this is their last year of NCAA eligibility.

Dennis Del Valle is already part of the national team program sponsored by the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation. His integration into the adult national team is expected to happen anytime soon.

For Alberto Bravo, joining a European professional club is his main goal after completing this Senior season.

“I would love to play in Europe and eventually represent my country Puerto Rico”, said Bravo.

Both teams will continue their seasons on Friday, January, 28th. Penn State will host Loyola and Springfield will play at home against Emanuel. The two matches will start at 7:00pm (8:00pm in Puerto Rico).

Rafael R. Díaz-Torres
The Daily Sun
Puerto Rico

(The photo was provided by Roberto I. Albandoz-Carrasquillo.)