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LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 8, 2022.-
Cuba started the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup
defeating Puerto Rico 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 29-27,
25-22) on day two of competition at La Paz Arena
in Baja California Sur.
Cuba came from losing the first set in their
first outing in pool A pulling off their first
victory of the event that qualifies two NORCECA
teams to the 2023 FIVB World Championship. In
the second set, Puerto Rico kept the pressure as
Cuba failed three-set points (24-20) and then
another three before the close 29-27 finish for
Cuba.
Puerto Rico concludes pool-play with 1-1 record
and 4 points and waits for their final position
to learn if they advance into the next round.
The final stats of the match show the close win
for Cuba who led 48-46 in attacks, 14-11 in
blocks and 12-11 in serves. Cuba committed 21
unforced errors and Puerto Rico with 25.
Cuban middle blocker Lisania Grafort scored a
match-high of 24 points, including the most aces
with 7 points, 13 kills and 4 blocks. Her
teammates outside hitter Claudia Tarin and
opposite hitter Yalain De La Peña contributed
with 15 and 14 points respectively.
Three outside hitters led Puerto Rico’s offense,
Grace Lopez with 18 points, Valeria Flores with
13 points and Elena García with 12 points.
Pool A resumes on Thursday with Cuba (1-0)
facing Dominican Republic (0-1).
Lisania Grafort, Top Scorer of Cuba: “Our
combativity helped us prevail over Puerto Rico,
everyone did their part, they fulfilled their
role on and off the court. Personally, I trust
my team and myself to get good results”.
Rogelio Andrés Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba:
“We faced a settled team on the court that
didn’t hand out balls. My team is hungry despite
their lack of experience, we are out of the ice
of not competing internationally. Our middle,
Grafort, was effective in serving and punished
Puerto Rico over the net”.
Valeria Flores, Captain of Puerto Rico: “We’ve
had two tough matches, today we weren’t as
organized as yesterday in blocking; not all
matches are the same and we are moving forward”.
José Rivera, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “Cuba’s
presence and strength was crucial, they served
well, and we are suffering the consequences from
yesterday’s five sets, some players are
physically hurt. We battled up to the end and
Cuba won by their own merit”. |
