MEXICO CITY (FIBA U18 Women's Americas Championship 2018) - Puerto Rico started the FIBA U18 Women's Americas Championship 2018 with a 74-69 win over Chile in Group A action.

"Starting the championship this way gives us a lot of energy. We were united, and we supported each other always. We fought from start to finish and that's why we took the victory. This victory was important because it gives us advantages for the Quarter-Finals," said Sheslanie Laureano.

"I think I had a good performance in the game. In some moments the ball did not go in, but I felt the support of my teammates always. I have experience in this and that's why I was able to continue contributing to the team at all times," added the player who added 14 points and 9 rebounds in the victory.

"The first goal of the team was to get this victory and that's what we did. Now we must go step by step and game by game. We are in a tough group, where we will also face the United States and Argentina, so it was important to start the tournament with a victory against Chile. This victory leaves us much better positioned for the Quarter-Finals," added coach of the Puerto Rican team, Glenda Negrón.

On the second day of the Group Stage, Puerto Rico will face Argentina.

FIBA