Cuba dispatched Nicaragua in less than one hour

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 24, 2019 – Cuba needed just 59 minutes to dispatch Nicaragua in the first match of the U19 Boys’ Volleyball Pan American Cup, a qualifying competition offering the last two berths to the age-group FIVB World Championship to be played in Tunisia.

The Cuban side, already qualified to the world event, relied on powerful services and effective defense at the net. They scored 9 aces and 16 blocks in the cruising 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-12) victory in Pool A.

Eduardo Hernandez was the best Cuban scorer with 15 points, including five blocks and one ace, followed by José Gutierrez who finished with three blocks and three aces among his 13 points. Victor Andreu and Christian Thondike added 10 and 8 points, respectively, in the victory.

Steven Lozano had 8 points for Nicaragua, all via attacks.

José Miguel Gutierrez, captain of Cuba: “We played well. We gave our best in preparation for a team of higher level”

Ronny Cerda, captain of Nicaragua: “Cuba is a very strong team. We had problems with our reception but gave all that we have.”

Mario Izquierdo, coach of Cuba: “We focused on our plan which was to minimize the mistakes.”

Jorge Mena, coach of Nicaragua: “What can I say? We played against the champions. It was a learning experience because we don’t play very often against Cuba. We took the contest as a preparation for the Central American Championship.”