Semifinal Run | Pulliza, Puerto Make History at Pan Am Games

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – With a five-set win Wednesday over Argentina, Razorback head coach Robert Pulliza and Puerto Rico has advanced to the semifinals of the XVII Pan American Games in Toronto. With the win, the Puerto Rico women are making their first-ever appearance in the medal rounds. Pulliza is serving as an assistant coach for his home country.

XVII Pan American Games (Toronto) | Puerto Rico vs. Brazil (Semifinal) | Live Stats

The Puerto Rico National Team next faces Brazil in Thursday’s semifinal for a spot in the championship match. First serve between Puerto Rico and Brazil is scheduled for 6 p.m. (CT) at the Exhibition Centre. The two teams played a five-set thriller in the opening match of Pan Am pool play. The United States and Dominican Republic are playing in the second semifinal. The gold- and bronze-medal matches of the prestigious global competition will be contested Saturday.

Pulliza is continuing his coaching role with Puerto Rico that began in June at the NORCECA Champions Cup in Havana, Cuba. Prior to the Pan American Games, he helped Puerto Rico qualify for the FIVB World Grand Prix Group 2 finals that will begin July 31 in Lublin, Poland. Along with the other stops during this summer’s schedule, Pulliza has also traveled to Bulgaria with the Puerto Rico National Team.

Pulliza wasn’t the only Razorback to represent Puerto Rico this summer as 2015 newcomer Pilar Victoria also donned the colors of her home country. She saw action in nine sets during the opening weekend (July 3-5) of Grand Prix play. Her run with the Puerto Rico National Team began in May at the Calgary 2015 event. In June, Victoria helped the teams to a fifth-place finish at the XIV Pan American Cup in Lima, Peru.

When the Razorbacks return to the court for their Aug. 28 season opener against McNeese State, the roster will feature 12 returners from last year’s team including seniors Monica Bollinger, All-SEC performer Chanell Clark-Bibbs and Liz Fortado. Season tickets are now on sale through the Razorback Ticket Center by calling 800-982-4647 or emailing raztk@uark.edu. Click HERE to purchase tickets online. Each purchase includes a free team knit hat.

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