Cuba scores easy win over Trinidad and Tobago

HAVANA, Cuba, October 5, 2014 - The Cuban team easily overcame Trinidad and Tobago in three consecutive sets (25-14, 25-12, and 25-10) in the nightcap of the opening day at the II Pan American U-23 Men’s Volleyball Cup at the Coliseum of the Sports City.

The local team needed just 58 minutes to defeat their rivals they outscored widely in spikes (37-8), blocks (10-3) and services (3-1). The opposite hitter, Osniel Rendon was the only one who tallied a double-digit scoring (11) while Osmany Uriarte contributed with nine. For the Trinidadians Nicholas Prescott tallied four. 

Prior to the match, it was held the official opening ceremony where the winners of the “Cuba Deportiva” contest of “Trabajadores” Magazine were awarded. It was dedicated to the historical participation of the Island in World Championships on the occasion of the Men’s WCH held in Poland and the Women’s WCH which takes place in Italy.  

After the conclusion of the third match, Rodolfo Sanchez, host coach, stated: “Despites the score, I think my team did not develop its potential. They made too many errors, particularly in the last set. We need to improve it when meeting Dominicans and Mexicans. In addition, the most important players were not in their best shape as they returned from the WCH in Poland and had a 6-day break. However, step by step we will increase our game level.”

The captain, Lazaro Fundora, expressed: “We knew the victory had to be ours and in a 3-set match. Things worked out, although it was not as good as we would have liked. But since it was the initial match we came out without much confidence. However as the competition goes on we will improve our game performance.”

Gideon Dickson, coach of Trinidad and Tobago, congratulated Cubans on their performance and assured they were a better team than they showed with their experience and were determined to take up the match. “Hopefully we will learn from this failure and play increasingly better.”

The captain, Brandon Legall, considered that it was really a very good experience for the entire team. “Cuban team is wonderful, and this match for a young team like ours is quite beneficial. Now we have to concentrate on the next match and play better.”