Cuba books ticket to the FIVB World Championship

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 12, 2014. -  Cubans 3-1 (25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 25-20) victory over Mexico served to book a ticket to the 2015 age-group FIVB World Championship and to the gold medal match of the Women’s U-20 NORCECA Continental Championship on Sunday.

Cuba’s overwhelming performance and euphoric celebration brought tears of joy to players and staff. Cubans built up their victory over Mexico with another solid performance by 14 year old Melissa Vargas, who arises like an exceptional player taking her team unbeaten into the finals.  

Despite that Mexico out-blocked Cuba 14-8, had a 12-10 ace advantage and made less unforced errors (20) against Cuban errors (35), they couldn’t outduel Cuba’s impressive superiority of 51-29 in spikes.

Young spiker Melissa Vargas led Cuban’s offensive line with 27 points, including 5 aces. Also with double figures for the winning cause, outside hitter Diaris Perez with 14 points and setter Gretell Moreno with 11 points. In the losing effort, middle blocker Patricia Valle scored 14 points followed by outside hitter Fernanda Guitron with 13 points.

Cuban captain Carmela Massip with tears said “we started too self-confident; it was a really tough match as Mexico battled strong, making it very difficult for us. We are all glad for the victory and qualifying to the world championship.

“Cuba is a difficult opponent to beat. We fought strong every point but couldn’t seal when needed, making unforced errors as Cuba pushed harder” indicated captain Fernanda Guitron.

“I’m the happiest man in all Latin America” started off coach Tomas Fernandez, “it’s been too long since we qualified for the world championship. Mexico is a very competitive team and a worthy opponent; we knew we would face them in some point of the tournament and they deserve a spot in the podium”.

Mexican coach Luis Leon said “we showed our team has what it takes to compete at a high level tournament; unfortunately our errors cost us the loss. In the first set we touched the net in two decisive points, in the third and fourth we missed a lot of serves; the team performed perfectly in the second set. Despite Cuban’s young players, they exhibited character which is characteristic in Cuban teams”.