Cuba will play for 5 to 8 positions at U23

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, September 15, 2017 – Cuba denied Brazil a chance to play for the medals at the 2017 FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship by scoring a convincing 4-1 victory on Friday.

Cuba won a tight contest against the South American powerhouse 15-12, 9-15, 15-10, 17-15, 16-14. Both teams will play now in the elimination for the 5 to 8 positions of the 12-team tournament.

Hosts Slovenia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Dominican Republic advanced to the semifinals as the teams placed first and second in each pool. Brazil and Cuba will be joined by China and Thailand in the consolation round.

Heidy Casanova was the top scorer for the Cuban side with 23 points while Ailama Cese added nine points of her own. Edinara Brancher and Drussyla Costa had 17 and 11 points, respectively, in the losing effort.