Cuba wins against tough Costa Rica

LIMA, Peru, September 20, 2016 – Cuba recovered from a sluggish start to defeat Costa Rica in straight sets 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-18) in day two of the U23 Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at Manuel Bonilla Coliseum of Lima on Tuesday.

Cuba erased a 13-5 deficit in the first set and took command of the game against a Costa Rican side that kept battling until the end. Cuba improved its win-loss record to 1-1 while Costa Rica fell to a 0-2 mark.

The winners held the advantage in attacks (39-18, blocks (6-5) and aces (11-6). They gave up 26 points with errors to 19 by the losers.

Yelennis Diaz and Heidy Casanova led Cuba with 16 and 14 points, respectively, while Dalila Palma and Claudia Hernández contributed 9 and 8 points in the victory. Tania Carazo had 8 points for Costa Rica.

Roberto García, Coach of Cuba: “It was a good fame but we had a very slow start and I think we made too many mistakes and need to correct that. Costa Rica is a team that has elevated its technique and their work deserve credit.”

Yelennis Diaz, player of Cuba: “We started out of focus and their serves created some problems but working as a team we were able to close the score and I think if we continue working together we should get the spot for the world championship and a place on the podium.”

Braulio Godinez, Coach of Costa Rica: “We were able to compete when the decision was kept away from the net. That’s why we tried to press with the serve and get them out of their comfort zone of attack. We did that for moments and we played well but then we lacked calm to close the sets, especially the first one when we had a big lead. But I am satisfied because it is a growing process and the experience is fundamental for them.

Yuliana Gonzalez, Captain of Costa Rica: “We know that Cuba is a strong opponent but we came in motivated and today my teammates and I played a good game against Cuba. At the end their experience prevailed. I am confident we will continue improving with the tournament.”