Argentina defeats Cuba to secure the second place in Pool A

SANTIAGO, Chile, October 23, 2023 - Argentina defeated Cuba 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15) to clinch the second position in Pool A of the Women’s Volleyball tournament at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games at the Arena Parque O’Higgins.

Argentina, with a record of two wins and one loss, advanced to the quarterfinals as the second place team in Pool A, where they will face either Chile or Mexico. Cuba will compete in the matches for positions 5 to 8.

Argentina and Cuba battled closely in the first set, but the South Americans celebrated a straight set victory with a 45-38 advantage in attacks, 9-5 in blocks, and 4-2 in service points.

Argentina’s Nicole Pérez led in scoring with 13 points (10 attacks, 3 blocks). Daniela Bulaich and Bianca Farriol contributed 11 points each.

Ivy Vila was once again the top scorer for Cuba with 12 points (10 attacks, 2 service aces).

Tatiana Rizzo, Argentina’s libero, said, “We prepared to reach the next round of the tournament and now we are focused on what we need to do tomorrow to advance to the semifinals. In the first set, there was some anxiety, and we didn’t put in the necessary effort to avoid some errors that kept the score close. We had confidence in winning the match”.

Leivis García, Cuba’s coach, explained “With the team we brought, we see small steps of progress. There are young players who took on the responsibility in a very strong setting for them. I am happy, but not satisfied; we must work a lot, and we have the material to do it, with athletes with a lot of talent, dedication, and above all, the right attitude on the court. The players responded today, but inexperience made the difference”.