Cuba prevails in Chincha

CHINCHA, Peru, September 7, 2014.-  Cuba took the best over Colombia in straight sets  (25-20, 25-23, 25-22) in the opening match of Pool B of the Second Women’s U-23 Pan American in Mauro Mina Coliseum at the southern city of Chincha.

The Caribbean’s failed numerous serves, mostly at the beginning of the first set, and their blocking wasn’t their best weapon, but Melissa Vargas, leading all scorers (21), and outside hitters Regla Garcia (13) and Sulian Matienzo (11), as well as setter Gretell Moreno, were all very effective.

For the South Americans, top scorer was Mari Martinez, the only one with double-figures (13), where Cuba was superior in attacks (45-32), blocking (4-0) and service (4-3), while Colombia committed fewer errors (22-30).

Juan Carlos Gala, Cuba’s head coach, indicated “what’s most important is making our debut winning, my students had no pressure, but they were anxious and I liked Gretell’s serenity, she was able to conduct the match well; and Melissa as usual, did good, but more focused in here role as her reception was acceptable, we need more out of our middle blockers. Colombia has improved a lot and I have always liked their nice way of playing”.

His captain, lefty Sulian Martienzo, recognized that “we failed a lot in the beginning, especially our serves, then we settled better and fought each point against our opponents who I describe as fierce and strong, but our goal is to dominate Pool B and then win a medal”.

Brazilian Mauro Marasciulo, Colombia’s head coach, said his team didn’t perform with the enthusiasm he expected, “the girls were worried to face Cuba, who has a good team and their blocking makes them unable to attack, but they had too much respect for them, and I didn’t like my team’s attitude, mentally it they weren’t good”.

Maria Marin, Colombian captain was disappointed “in the beginning we couldn’t do our thing, we had no energy, we are usually perform very cheerful and today we performed well until the end when everything was lost, we hope in to perform better tomorrow”.