Cuba wins five-set thriller over Canada

IQUITOS, Peru, June 10, 2013 – Cuba recovered from a 0-2 deficit to overcome Canada 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-13 in day one of Pool B at the Movistar Women’s Pan American Cup on Tuesday.

The Cubans prevailed despite committing 42 unforced errors compared to 25 by the North Americans. Both teams totaled 14 blockings and the Cubans had the edge 6-5 in aces.

The Canadians took the first two sets playing with consistency and relative comfort only to see how the Cubans reacted to tie the match at two sets and then closed the tie-breaker

Ana Cleger and Sulien Matienzo led five Cubans with double digits in the scores with 22 and 17 points respectively. Yoana Palacios and Alena Rojas each contributed 13 while Rosana Giel added 10 points.

Canada’s Margaret Barclay finished with 13 points followed by Jaimie Thibeault and Kyla Richey each with 12 points and Shanice Marcelle with 10.