Zielona Gora, Poland, June 4, 2016 - Puerto Rico are flying high after their historic qualification for the Olympic Games and even beat the strong European side of Czechia on the first day of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2016 tournament in Zielona Gora. Also based on their recent head-to-head record against Canada the Caribbean squad seems to be the pre-favourite in Saturday's match.
Head-to-Head
• Puerto Rico and Canada have met once at the World Grand Prix. Last year, Puerto Rico won 3-1 at home.
• These teams battled for the bronze medal at the last two NORCECA Championships (2013, 2015). Puerto Rico claimed third place in both editions, winning 3-0 in 2013 and 3-1 in 2015.
• Puerto Rico and Canada most recently met at the 2016 NORCECA Olympic Qualification tournament. Puerto Rico won in straight sets, but both teams failed to qualify as the NORCECA representative. Puerto Rico qualified for the Olympic Games at the 2016 World Olympic Qualification tournament, which was held in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico
• Puerto Rico won their 2016 World Grand Prix opener on Friday, beating Czech Republic 3-1.
• Puerto Rico can win back-to-back matches for the first time in the World Grand Prix since 10-11 July 2015, when they followed up a five-set victory over Czech Republic with a 3-1 win against Croatia.
• Karin Ocasio scored a match-high 17 points in Puerto Rico's 3-1 victory over Czech Republic (incl. 14 spikes).
• With 146 points, Ocasio was the Group 2 top scorer at the 2015 World Grand Prix. She was the only player in Group 2 to score more than 100 points from spikes (118).
Canada
• Canada kicked-off their 2016 World Grand Prix campaign with a 3-1 loss against Poland on Friday.
• Canada have now failed to win their opening match in each of their four World Grand Prix participations.
• Two of Canada's four wins in World Grand Prix history came on a Saturday: 3-2 win over Bulgaria in 2015 and 3-2 win over Argentina in 2014.
• Danielle Brisebois scored a team-high 17 points in Canada's 3-1 defeat against Poland. Captain Lucille Charuk managed to score 10 points.