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DURANGO, Mexico, August 19, 2021.- Cuba on the
right track in pool B after defeating Guatemala
3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-19) at the Men’s NORCECA
Continental Championship in Durango, Mexico.
Cuba´s strength in attacks and blocks subdued
Guatemala’s good overall efforts; Cuba held a
huge 35-18 margin in attacks and 12-4 in the
blocking category; both teams scored 4 points
from the service line. Guatemala committed fewer
errors than Cuba (24-37).
Outside hitter Julio César Cárdenas led Cuba’s
scorers with 12 points on 9 attacks, two blocks
and one ace, algonside middle blocker José
Israel Masso with 11 points including 8 attacks
and two blocks. Outside hitter Yohan Leon
contributed with 9 points.
On Guatemala’s side, outside hitter Carlos López
scored 9 points on 6 attacks, two blocks and one
ace, followed by outside hitter Gerardo González
with 7 points on 5 attacks and two blocks.
Cuba’s (2-0) next outing in pool B is against
United States (1-0) and Guatemala (0-2) against
Dominican Republic (0-1).
Miguel Angel López, Captain of Cuba: “Despite
not having a chance to play, from outside I saw
my team struggling to adapt to Guatemala’s play;
my team pushed stronger at the end of the first
and slowly dominated with our best weapon, our
attack”.
Yosvani Muñoz, Coach of Cuba: “Technically
speaking Guatemala is inferior from us, but they
came out to play us well and the pushed hard in
the first set where we committed too many
errors. The team recovered and I had the chance
to rest some of our regular players. We usually
get too relaxed playing against inferior teams”.
Adan Ruano, Setter of Guatemala: “Our unity as a
team is key in our performance on the court, we
have many years together and we are disciplined.
We always give our best for Guatemala in each
match”.
William Fernández, Coach of Guatemala: “This
team knows how to play; it’s the work of Head
Coach Reider Lucas. The guys have a lot of
courage and play fiercely, they are warriors and
don’t feel less against anyone. During practice
we focused on blocking because we are aware of
Cuba’s strong attack and it showed.
Tomorrow is a crucial game against Dominican
Republic”. |
