Cuba joined the semifinals

LIMA, Peru, August 17, 2018 - Cuba joined the semifinals of the IV U23 Pan American Cup, defeating a seasoned and youthful Colombian team with ample superiority.

The team of Tomás Fernández sealed his classification in 1 hour 29 minutes of play, with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-15). Ailama Cese was the top scorer with 17 points, while Thalia Moreno, Diaris Pérez, Yamisleydis Viltres and Laura Suárez eac contributed 10 points. Ana Karina Olaya was the best Colombian with 8 points.

Cuba led in attacks (48-26), blocking (9-3) and service (8-3).

The captain of Cuba, Diaris Pérez: "After yesterday's defeat to Peru, today we went very well focused on winning to move to the semifinal. Colombia is a very fighting team that defends and takes advantage of any opportunity to attack despite being so young; but we could not give up and now we go with everything to get to the final."

The top scorer of Colombia, Ana Karina Olaya: "We knew that Cuba would be a very complicated opponent, but we lacked a lot to keep up with them. We played very regular, although we had a good attitude we have to work a little more tactically, defense and especially the blocking".