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LIMA, Peru, June 14, 2015 – Cuba held off a high-spirited Brazil
to claim a thrilling five-set victory (25-15, 25-23, 20-25,
22-25, 16-14) in the second day of actions in Pool B at the XVI
Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup taking place at Eduardo
Dibos Coliseum of Lima. It was the second victory for Cuba while
Brazil lost in five sets for second day in a row.
The powerful serves of Melissa Vargas and Yanet Jennifer Alvarez
were the difference in the match with the tandem scoring 7 and 6
aces, respectively. Cuba totaled 16 for the whole encounter.
Cuba led in attacks 50-47 and Brazil got the top hand in the
blocking category by a slight margin of 19-17. The winners made
32 unforced errors to 25 by the losers.
Vargas and Sulien Matienzo each had 16 points for Cuba while
Alena Rojas and Alvarez contributed 14 and 11 tallies. Lorenne
Geraldo had a match-high 20 points for Brazil while Drussyla
Costa, Arianne Pinto, Laiza Ferreira and Gabriela Da Silva each
had 11 points in the loss.
Cuba’s captain Sulian Matienzo said: “We had a lot of decision
about winning and playing well. Brazil played well in the third
and fourth set, but we were able to focus and got the final
result.”
“My respect to the Brazilian team because their girls did a
great job and, of course I have to congratulate my team for
winning the game. It was a great game for the girls who are
preparing for the junior world championship, they adjusted well
to our jump services and in the tie-breaker anything could
happen. I am happy for the result and it was a great show from
both sides,” said Roberto Garcia, coach of Cuba.
Lana Conceicao, captain of Brazil, described the match as a
great game which will serve as preparation for the world
championship and expressed her satisfaction for playing a close
match against a strong rival like Cuba.”
Mauricio Thomas, coach of Brazil, said his team had a lot of
difficulties but after the second set the match was more
balanced. “We were able to establish our game against their
serves and their blocking and even though we didn’t I am glad
because they played well against such strong opponent.” |
