Lausanne, Switzerland, July 16, 2017 - Puerto Rico host Bulgaria Sunday in San Juan, just a day after they handed Czech Republic with the first defeat of the season in the 2017 FIVB World Grand Prix. The hosts are undefeated at home in two games, after losing their first three on the road.
Head-to-Head• This will be the fifth World Grand Prix encounter between these nations. Bulgaria won the first three, but Puerto Rico the most recent one last year.
• Bulgaria have won the first set in each of the four World Grand Prix matches against Puerto Rico.
• These nations have also met at the 2002 World Championships, with Bulgaria winning 3-0.
Puerto Rico• In the first weekend of the 2017 World Grand Prix, Puerto Rico lost all three matches. In week two, they won both of their encounters thus far.
• These two wins included a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic. They can win consecutive matches in straight sets for the first time since 2014 when Cuba and Peru both suffered a straight set defeat against Puerto Rico.
• Puerto Rico could win three World Grand Prix matches in a row for the first time since winning six straight at the beginning of the 2016 season.
• Puerto Rico had five players scoring nine or more points against Czech Republic. Karina Ocasio headed her team with 16 points.
Bulgaria• Bulgaria beat Canada 3-1 on Saturday to improve their tournament record to three wins, two defeats. This victory against Canada was their 25th in the World Grand Prix, compared to only 11 defeats.
• Bulgaria have won at least two sets in all of their five World Grand Prix matches in 2017.
• Since June 2016, Bulgaria have alternated two wins with two defeats: win-win-loss-loss-win-win-loss-loss, and Saturday’s win. According to this rhythm, they will win this match.
• Bulgaria had four players reaching double figures in points scored against Canada. Miroslava Paskova headed her team with 20 points.