Cuba defeats Costa Rica to lead Pool B unbeaten

CHINCHA, Peru, September 8, 2014. - Cuba prevailed over Costa Rica without any complications 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-15) and leads Pool B with two victories at the II Women’s U-23 Pan-American Cup at Coliseum Mario Mina, a recognized Peruvian boxer.

The outstanding serves of the Caribbean’s were dominant, with 16 aces, 8 of them scored by left outside hitter Regla Garcia, top scorer of the match with 15 points, followed by middle blocker Yelennis Díaz (13) and opposite player Melissa Vargas (10), while three bench players had the opportunity to contribute with the winning cause, especially  versatile Dayami Sanchez (5).

Mijal Hines (7) and Tania Carazo (6) were once again Costa Rica’s top scorers in their team efforts campaign where Cuba exceeded in kills (35-22) and blocking (8-2), even if in unforced errors they were almost even (14-16), in a match that lasted 56 minutes, as well as yesterday’s match between where Costa Rica lost to Dominican Republic in three sets.

"We came to play our own strong game against a team that did what they could do, we were able to use other players, but we need to improve some aspects and today we prepared for possible changes to face Dominican Republic, I really am not surprised with their loss today against Colombia because the South Americans have developed and they are fighters, and they were set to win after yesterday’s loss against us, but we know we’ll have a tough battle against them” said Cuban coach Juan Carlos Gala.

Argentinian Horacio Bastit said he understands the differences between the teams of the zone “Cuba is on another level and we are seeking for experience and to learn from the more consolidated teams that can fight for one of the world championship’s berth, and the excitement as it’s impressive to face a 14 year old player with the conditions of Melissa Vargas”.

Lefty Sulian Matienzo, Cuba’s captain stated that with making less of their opponents “we knew it would be an easy match and we were going to put some things to test for Tuesday’s match which will be interesting as Dominicans have strength, but we’ll look for the win and to advance directly into the semifinal, which is almost to lock the world championship’s berth”.

Costa Rica’s captain, opposite player Mijal Hines expressed “against a strong team like Cuba, we were determined to have fun and learn from them, which isn’t often and take the most out of it for us”.