Cuba wins thrilling match against Dominican Republic

TIJUANA, Mexico, June 20, 2010 – Cuba won a thrilling five-setter against Dominican Republic (31-29, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-12) and bettered its record in Pool A of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup to 3-0 record. The Dominicans are now at 1-1.

Consecutive blocks by Gisell Silva and Rachel Sanchez against Altagracia Mambru and Annerys Vargas sealed the victory for the Cubans.

Silva topped her side with 27 points while Kenia Carcaces contributed 21 to the winning effort. Sanchez and Yilian Cleger chipped in 12 and 10 respectively. Prisilla Rivera was the best Dominican with 20 tallies and Lisvel Eve, Milagros Cabral and Vargas charted 15, 14 and 13 respectively.

“It was a match of ups and downs for both teams and a learning lesson for players and coaches,” Cuban Juan Carlos Gala stated. “At the end a couple of blocks decided the outcome.”

“This has been the best match of the tournament thus far,” said Brazilian Marcos Kwiek, who coaches Dominican Republic. “Two teams with many young players who couldn’t keep regularity. Both teams played well and at the end of the tie-breaker they showed better concentration.”