Cuba reaches semifinals winning intense duel with Dominican Republic

CHINCHA, Peru, September 9, 2014.- Cuba defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 (27-25, 25-23, 25-19) to top Pool B unbeaten and reaching the semifinals of the II Women’s U-23 Pan-American Cup.

In the closing preliminary round at Mauro Mina Coliseum, both Caribbean teams engaged in an intense battle in which the Cubans benefited, mostly in the first two sets when their opponents failed numerous serves, while Juan Carlos Gala’s pupils were better in that category (5-2) and grew in their counterattacks.

The young 14 year old Melissa Vargas led all scorers with 16 points, joined by middle blocker Yelennis Díaz (11) and outside hitter lefy Regla Gracia (10), while the other middle blocker, Heidy Casanova, and the outside hitter-receptor Sulian Matienzao contributed with seven points apiece. On the Dominican side, the offensive line was commanded by outside hitters Brayelin Martinez and Yonkaira Peña with 15 and 11 points respectively.

Cuban coach Gala confessed he always thought in the success of his team “but not in three sets, I was aware in was going to be a tough match, that they were also trying to reach the semifinals, I am really happy because the team had a good performance, the middle blocker did a good a job in attacking and blocking, and even if setter Gretell Moreno lost concentration for moments, she is intelligent and recovered well, now we need to prepare intensely for the next round”.

Captain Sulian praised the strength and high leveled game of the Dominicans “that’s why we were convinced that a tough battle lied ahead, but in practice we prepared tactically and things went well at the court. We thought it was going to be a 3-2 or 3-1 match but nevertheless we knew how to perform as we did against Colombia and Costa Rica”.

Brazilian Wagner Pacheco, head coach of Dominican Republic, manifested “the two first two sets were good for both squads, they fought, but Cuba won in the details, in the last set we battled the same but our opponents showed they want to win the title, they are the best team of the region. We were damaged again with the serving and we lost too many that costs us”. 

Captain Brayelin said the match was very tough “we were hoping to win, but it wasn’t possible, our blocking (even if it was tied 8-8) was too weak against Cuba’s kills, but we must continue forward, the championship hasn’t finished yet”.