Cuba to meet Brazil for the gold medal

 

COLIMA, Mexico, June 28, 2007.- Cuba will meet Brazil in the gold medal match of the Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Dominican Republic in straight sets 28-26, 25-22, 25-18.

 

It was a seesaw battle for the first two sets but Cuba completely overwhelmed in the third with powerful serves and well executed blocks despite a late reaction by the losers. The Dominicans will play for the bronze against USA with the four teams already qualified for the 2008 FIVB World Grand Prix.

 

Nancy Carrillo led Cuba with 12 points and Yumilka Ruiz and Rosir Calderon each score 11. Milagros Cabral with 13 and Bethania de la Cruz with 10 were the Dominicans in double digits.

 

“The first two sets were very close because these two teams have the same level,” said Antonio Perdomo, the Cuban coach. “But in the third, the Dominicans couldn’t handle our serves and our spikes.”