SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic, August 28, 2005.- Cuba finished with a perfect record of 4-0 at the Norceca-E Women’s Tournament while defeating Dominican Republic in consecutive sets (29-27, 25-19, 25-18) in a match between sides already qualified for the Final Round of the 2006 FIVB World Championships.

Cuba took the lead 8-5 with the big serves of Zoila Barros who had three consecutive aces. Dominican Republic tied up at 8-all with the offence of Juana Gonzalez and Cosiris Rodriguez. After a tie at 12-all, Barros again served two aces sending Cuba to a 16-14 advantage at the second technical time-out. The Dominicans came back to take a 24-22 lead with Rodriguez leading the way, but a couple of errors evened the score at 24-all. Finally, the serves of Nancy Carrillo decided the frame where Cuba saved five-set points.

In the second set, the attack of Barros and Carrillo was the key for Cuban’s lead at 8-5 and 16-12. Cuba controlled the set since the beginning and Yaima Ortiz closed it with a pair of smashes.

Cuba took an 8-6 lead in the third set with sharp serves of Carrillo and Liana Mesa. The Dominicans came back to even-up the score at 9-all, but Cuba recovered and took control of the set at 16-11 with the spikes of Daimi Ramirez.

Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: "We did our best and the first set was a real war. The serves of Cuba were hard and accurate and caused trouble to our reception."

Yumilka Ruiz, captain of Cuba: "Our team went to the court to battle as hard as possible. We played with a lot of desire and determination. It was 3-0 but the match was very good."

Ismael Ortega, coach of Dominican Republic: "It was great match. We battled point by point against one of the best teams in the world. They controlled the match after the first set with their serves."

Felipe Calderon, coach of Cuba: "I am very happy with the results and with the opportunity to give the youngers the chance to develop their talent. I hope the best to the Dominican team."