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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 17,
2021 – Cuba defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 (15-25,
25-21, 25-20, 25-19) to claim its first victory
at the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on
Friday.
These two teams will meet again in the first
match of Saturday for the 5-6 positions of the
standings.
The Cuban team converted 15 blocks in points to
seal the victory while the Puerto Rican side
made 37 unforced errors.
Dayana Martínez and Dezirett Madan led Cuba with
14 and 11 points. Puerto Rican Isabel Bauza led
all the players with 18 points, followed by
Gabriela Alicea with 13 in the loss.
Joel Olazabal, coach of Cuba: “Today we achieved
our first victory and it was against Puerto
Rico, which is a team very similar to ours. So
the girls loosen up a little bit more and things
turned out a lot better. We made some changes,
but not because they played badly but to give
everyone a chance and see what they can offer
for the team.”
Carlos Rodríguez, coach of Puerto Rico: “The
problem is that the physical condition factor is
taking its toll on us. Nor do we have Paola
Rojas, our main middle blocker. That takes a lot
from us. We can play a set or two well, but then
we don't have the energy to close." |
