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LIMA, Peru, June 17, 2015 – Cuba improved to a 4-1 record in
Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup by defeating Canada in
consecutive sets 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-20) at Eduardo Dibos
Coliseum of Lima on Wednesday. Canada dropped to 3-2 after
suffering its second loss in a row.
Cuba held the top hand in attacks 44-33 and had the edge in
service winners 4-3. Both teams scored with six blocks while the
winners committed 19 unforced errors to 21 by the Canadians.
Cuba’s captain Sulian Matienzo topped the winners with 14
points, including two blocks and one ace, followed by Melissa
Vargas and Alena Rojas with 13 and 12 markers, respectively.
Canada’s Tabhita Love led all the scorers in the match with 18
points.
Matienzo said the experience of playing Canada before was useful
for the victory. “We just played with them at the Final Four and
against their high blocking we had to press with our serves
which paid off.”
Roberto Garcia, coach of Cuba: “I have a great deal of respect
for Canada. They have a high blocking that was difficult for us
in Havana. They have been improving through the competition and
I was worried about the performance of my team. We took
advantage of our serves and our blocking benefitted from their
problems with the reception. That was the difference but it was
a great game.”
Tabhita Love, the top scorer of Canada expressed her
disappointment for the loss but at the same time she is
optimistic about the future of the team. “The game was important
for the position in the pool but we are improving as a team and
I feel positive about the future of our selection.”
Arn Ludwig, coach of Canada: “I think Cuba played very well and
also that in the first set our game and attack was better but we
couldn’t repeat it in the next two sets. We have to improve our
serves because the key for the success of Cuba was their potent
services.” |
