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NOGALES, Sonora, June 17, 2022.- Cuba beat
Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-20) in the
first match of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four
Qualification Tournament on Friday at Nogales,
Sonora.
Cuba held advantages in attacks (43-32), blocks
(6-4) and serves (4-2). Cuba scored 22 points on
Puerto Rico’s errors and handed out 17.
Middle blocker Dayana Martinez and outside
hitter Claudia Tarin charted 11 points each in
Cuba’s first victory; Martinez on 7 attacks, 3
blocks and one ace, while Tarin scored on 10
kills and one ace. Team captain Thainalien
Castillo Leyva added 10 points.
Outside hitter and team captain Sofia Victoria
led Puerto Rico with 10 points all on kills,
joined by outside hitter Elaine Vazquez with 9
points.
On day two of competition, Cuba faces host
Mexico and Puerto Rico goes up against Costa
Rica.
Thainalien Castillo Leyva, Captain of Cuba:
“We were strong, united, we battled as a team,
and we hope to keep it up. We can’t loosen
against any of our opponents, and we have
practiced a lot to do so, we have physical
condition and energy”.
Sofía Victoria, Captain of Puerto Rico:
“Despite falling, we felt good, it’s our first
time playing together. We are adjusting, we are
the future of Puerto Rico. We hope to do better
the next couple of days”.
Joel Olazabal, Head Coach of Cuba:
“We believe our teams’ performance was good,
it’s only the first match and despite knowing
this isn’t Puerto Rico’s A team. Every player
will compete. Tomorrow we’ll give a good
spectacle against Mexico”.
Fernando Morales, Head Coach of Puerto Rico:
“We are aware we’re bringing a team with little
experience and the errors were because of our
lack of experience. I believe we played well for
moments, but not an entire set. We will improve
with each match; they have never played together
and our rhythm will improve as well”. |
