Cuba cruises in straight sets against Costa Rica

IQUITOS, Peru, June 11, 2013- Cuba defeated Costa Rica in consecutive sets 25-20, 25-14, 25-17 for its second victory in Pool B at the Movistar Women’s Pan American Cup on Tuesday night.

The Cubans have now a 2-0 record and 8 points, combining their victory on Tuesday and the win attained in five sets against Canada in opening day.

Rosanna Giel had 12 points as the most prolific scorer of the balanced Cuban offense with Ana Cleger and Yoana Palacios each contributing 9 points. Karen Cope finished with 10 points as the best Costa Rican scorer.

Cuba held advantages of 8-5 in blocks and 5-4 in service winners. In attacks the winners were better by far 40-21 while committing 20 errors to 21 by the opponents.

 “Before the start we were sure about winning 3-0, not because we underestimate the opponent but because they are in a growing process,” commented the Cuban Cleger.

Cuba’s coach Juan Carlos Gala praised the Costa Ricans saying “they surprised us a little in the first set with their serves, but we stayed calm and kept the confidence of winning the tough opening match against Canada.”

For his colleague Horacio Bastit “it was a tough experience because we continue to have problems with the reception and it affects the whole job. I think we can reach a much better level if we play, at least, 20 matches a year of this kind.”

Costa Rica’s captain Ángela Willis showed her disappointment with the result. “We knew Cuba was going to be tough, but I would have liked fight more. However it is a learning process and I would like to see more investment in hours of work to be able to be among the best.”