Cuba needed five sets to subdue Peru to start the U23 Pan American Cup

HAVANA, Cuba, July 11, 2023.- Cuba subdued Peru, but needed five sets to obtain their first success at the V U23 Men’s Pan American Cup that started this Tuesday at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum.

Purivians, while the home team committed several errors, were fighting strong, focused, knowingly what it meant winning two sets to the favorite squad to defend their title won in the previous tournament in 2018 and were happy even with the loss (25-19, 20-25, 25-12, 21-25, 15-7).

The undisputed leader of the host team was opposite Alejandro Miguel González who set a high of 35 points, accompanied by middle blocker Thiago Suárez (12) and outside hitter Bryan Camino (10).

The most productive players of the South American team were outside hitter Sebastián Blanco (17) and Leonel Despaigne (16).

Cuba, despite their 30 errors (only 17 from their opponent), reached substantial advantages in attacks (53-42), blocks (13-7) and serves (16-4).

Jesús Cruz, coach of  Cuba, reacted, “we always have difficulties in our first match, but we never thought it was going to be complicated and extended to five sets. We found a combative Peruvian team who came out to battle for the victory, and because of our performance we allowed the possibility. Good defense, many battled for balls not to hit the court, they were warriors”.

Setter Adrián Chirino, Cuban captain said “we started with too many errors and Peru, a team who battles, came out to battle tough and their defense was superior, attacks and serves. They took advantage of our bad moment to win those two sets, however we were able to recover and, in the end, win the tie-break”.

The visitors’ captain, also a setter, said “we were aware of the opponent we were facing; Cuba is strong, they block well and attack with strength, but we are happy with today’s result, I think we did a great game against the local team. This is just starting and we hope to keep on adding”.

Cuban Juan Carlos Gala, coach of Peru, said “we supported that our players would come prepared to face other opponents. I know the Cuban team, they are determined, of only one ball, when you play them two or three, they start with difficulties”.

“My boys did well, they went above the expectations, winning two sets to Cuba I think deserves a party in Peru. We know Cuba’s quality, we respect them, and we love Cuba, but our professional job is always serious, I am happy with the win of these two sets and I hope that my team can keep on battling the rest of their matches” he said.