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Cuba beats Costa Rica with impressive blocking

 

   

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, May 22, 2016.- Cuba made their debut at the XI Men’s Pan American Cup beating Costa Rica with impressive blocking 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-18) at Olympic Gymnasium Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City.

Cuba held a huge blocking advantage of 14-1 in blocking, 7-1 in serves and 38-24 in spikes. Costa Rica committed 16 unforced errors and Cuba 19. Costa Rica scored several points with strong spikes despite Cuba’s effectiveness. In Pool B, Cuba earns five points in their first win, while Costa Rica finishes the preliminary round with 0-2 win-loss record.

Opposite Dariel Albo topped Cuba’s scorers with 16 points, outside hitter Osniel Melgarejo added 10 points, while middle blocker Livan Osoria and outside hitter Abrahan Alfonso tallied 9 points apiece. Costa Rica was led by outside hitter Alberto Blanco with 8 points.

Cuba will play against Canada to decide Pool B winner.

Captain Ricardo Calvo of Cuba said “we are very glad and excited to be preparing hard for the Olympic Games. Our goal is to win this tournament, despite who we have to face. The team has young players, but very talented, we have a lot more to show here”.

Captain of the Central American team, Esteban Araya said “we are aware of the differences between Cuba and us, but we are extremely happy with today’s presentation. We weren’t able to penetrate their blocking in the first set, so after that, we performed our own style and began to enjoy the match while adjusting our line-up. We are very satisfied with this learning experience, we are growing while facing stronger opponents”.