Opposite Iman Ndiaye fired five of France’s seven aces in the match and raised two kill blocks to top the scoring charts with a 22-point total. Outside hitter and captain Helena Cazaute came close behind with 21 points, including one ace, while middle blocker Amandha Sylves put up as many as five of the team’s 12 kill blocks in the game.
“Just to be at the World Championship is a big thing for us, because it has been very long since France last participated. And to start with a win was really important for us. At times we played badly, at times we played well, but the important thing was that we won in the end,” Sylves told VBTV after the game. “It feels good to block, for sure! Middle blockers don’t spike a lot, so blocking is key. It’s my way to help the team and I am happy.”
Outside Valeria Vazquez was Puerto Rico’s leading scorer with 12 points, while 15-year-old prodigy opposite Decelise Champion put away another 11.
