Cuba advanced to the final match

 

MONTERREY, Mexico, December 21, 2007.- Cuba advanced to the final match of the Norceca Women’s Olympic Qualifier with a  straight sets victory over Puerto Rico. The score was 25-23, 25-19, 25-12.

 

Yumilka Ruiz topped the Cuban offence with 15 points and Nancy Carrillo added 12. For Puerto Rico, Sarai Alvarez and Aury Cruz had 11 and 10 respectively.

 

“We committed many errors in the first set both in reception and serving,” said Antonio Perdomo, the Cuban coach. “But fortunately we improved our serve starting midway of the second set and it was really nasty. We have been playing better and better and we need to improve tomorrow in the final to attain our objective.”

 

“The experience of the Cubans allows them to play these matches under pressure. We could not capitalize their mistakes in the first set and couldn’t keep the lead in the second. The third set was a knockout.”

 

Ruiz broke a tie at 18-all with a solid spike and then scored with a soft touch, sending Cuba to the victory in a close first set where Puerto Rico evened the score four times but never was ahead. Kenia Carcaces scored the last two points for Cuba.

 

Cuba fell behind 1-6 in the second set and steadily came from behind to tie at 13-all before taking a lead they never relinquished. Daimi Ramirez led the comeback with her blocking, serving and fiery spirit.

 

The third set was one-sided from the start with the Cubans combining their blocking with power-hitting.