Lausanne, Switzerland, July 15, 2017 - Puerto Rico host the Czech Republic Saturday in San Juan in what is the sixth time the two sides come head-to-head in FIVB World Grand Prix history. The European side lead the series 3-2, including a 3-1 win last week. The Czech Republic are one of only two undefeated teams (together with Poland) in Group 2 so far this season. Puerto Rico, on the other hand, scored their first win Friday when they overcame Canada in five sets.
Head-to-Head• This is the sixth meeting between these nations in the World Grand Prix. Puerto Rico have won twice, Czech Republic three times.
• Czech Republic won the most recent World Grand Prix encounter, 3-1 last week and can become the first team to win back-to-back matches between these countries in the competition.
• These nations also met at the 2010 World Championships, with Czech Republic winning 3-0.
• Czech Republic have won six and lost five World Grand Prix matches against NORCECA teams, while Puerto Rico have won 13 and lost 17 against CEV teams.
Puerto Rico• Puerto Rico beat Canada 3-2 after opening their 2017 World Grand Prix campaign with three consecutive defeats.
• Puerto Rico could lose four of their opening five matches of a World Grand Prix campaign for the first time since losing their first eight fixtures of the 2013 edition.
• Puerto Rico lost their first four World Grand Prix five-setters, but have lost only one of eight since.
• Karina Ocasio (66) and Daly Santana (60) lead Puerto Rico in scoring.
Czech Republic• Czech Republic have won their opening four matches of a World Grand Prix campaign for the second time, after they were victorious in their first seven fixtures of the 2014 edition.
• Those seven victories to begin the 2014 World Grand Prix is the only time they have had a longer winning streak than four in the competition.
• Czech Republic began the second weekend with a 3-2 victory against Bulgaria. The last time Czech Republic had consecutive World Grand Prix matches go to a deciding set was in July 2015 (lost v Puerto Rico, won v Bulgaria).
• Pavla Vincourova has a setter average of 6.1 per set.