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LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 9, 2022.-
Cuba won first place in pool A beating Dominican
Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-17,
25-17) at the sixth edition of the Women’s U21
Pan American Cup at La Paz Arena in Baja
California Sur.
Cuba with 2-0 record and 9 points sealed their
way into the next round but will have to wait if
it’ll be in the quarter finals or directly into
semifinals after the result between United
States and Argentina. The event qualifies two
NORCECA teams to the 2023 FIVB World
Championship.
Dominican Republic with 0-2 record will play
classification matches for places 7-10.
Cuba topped Dominican Republic in every skill,
with 36-28 margin in attacks, 10-4 in blocks and
7-5 in service points. Cuba finished with 20
unforced errors and Dominican Republic with 22.
With double-figures, once again middle blocker
Lisania Grafort led Cuba with 15 points on 9
kills, 4 blocks and one ace, outside hitter
Claudia Tarin followed with 12 points on 10
kills, one block and one ace, while outside
hitter and team captain Thainalien Castillo
contributed with 10 points on 7 kills and 3 aces.
Outside hitter Marcelly Perez and middle blocker
Alanae Margaritha scored 8 points apiece on
Dominican Republic’s side.
Thainalien Castillo,
Captain of Cuba: “Our team unity was
crucial, there was excellent communication, we
fought together, we were strong minded in our
actions. We were more secure today than
yesterday. Our coaches’ instructions were to use
our strength, for this is what we train for many
hours”.
Crismely Rodriguez, Captain of Dominican
Republic:
“Despite giving our all on the court, the result
wasn’t favorable. Cuba won because they played
with more energy, I believe that the attitude.
Rogelio Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba:
“The team never gave up, they played with lots
of guts, there were ups and downs, but the girls
are getting into a good dynamic. I think we can
improve in blocking”.
Cristian Cruz, Head Coach of Dominican Republic:
“We have been training well, we had a good
preparation, we have been working hard but
without competition and it showed in our mind
deficiency. The pressure blocked them; it didn’t
let them develop their potential”. |
