Cuba wins five-set duel with USA

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 9, 2018 – Cuba prevailed over United States in a thrilling five-set contest 3-2 (18-25, 25-22, 25-23, 13-25, 15-13) in Pool B of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on Monday.

Both teams have 1-1 record with USA with 6 points and Cuba with just 3 having lost to Puerto Rico 3-0 the night before. The Puerto Ricans lead the group with 2-0 mark and 8 points while Trinidad & Tobago are at 0-2 with 3 points.

Sulian Matienzo, Regla Gracia and Diaris Perez each had 15 points for Cuba with Matienzo and Perez recording five aces apiece.

Simone Lee led all the players in the match with 18 points in the losing effort as four other team mates also reached double figures – Aiyana Abukusumo-Whitney (17), Haleigh Washington (16), Adora Anae (14) and Chiaka Ogbogu (10).

Cuba held a slight 10-9 advantage in aces while the United States were a little better in blocking 14-12.

On Tuesday’s action, Cuba meets Trinidad & Tobago while United States go against Puerto Rico.