Cuba lost to Slovenia in final match of Challenger Cup

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, July 7, 2019 – The Arena Stozice was lucky for the Slovenian national team who claimed victory in front of their home fans  against Cuba 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-21) winning the 2019 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League Challenger Cup and earning a much-anticipated place among the world’s elite.

Slovenia will replace relegated Portugal in the 2020 FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League.

It was a fierce race for a ticket to the 2020 VNL. Slovenia played very well having a positive reception of 59% (Cuba 41%) and 55% in attacking efficiency.

In the decisive parts of the match the Slovenes impressed with blocks and great serves, and the Cubans couldn’t find a way to stop the hosts supported by the home crowd.

Klemen Cebulji scored a match-high 18 points (13 from attack, 3 blocks and 2 serves), followed by Toncek Stern (14). Marlon Yang Herrera of Cuba tallied 11.