Dominican Republic outclass Cuba at Barranquilla

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia, July 21, 2018.- Dominican Republic outclassed Cuba 3-1( 25-18, 25-17, 20-25, 25-17) on day two of the women’s volleyball tournament of the 2018 Barranquilla XXIII Central American and Caribbean Games at Humberto Perea Coliseum.

Dominican Republic won in the end, but Cuba surprisingly started off set two with 8-0 margin snatching a set to the defending champions. It was Dominican Republic’s strength in blocking restricted Cuba’s tough offense.

Dominican Republic dominated the blocking category by a sizeable 19-8 margin, in addition to their 5-3 effectiveness in serves. Cuba finished with a slim 45-44 advantage in kills. Dominicans committed 21 errors and Cubans committed 27.

Dominican Gaila González was the best scorer with 19 points, 16 on kills. Wing spiker Yonkaira Peña contributed to the winning cause with 16 points, 14 by kills and middle blocker Lisvel Eve registered 11 points, including 4 blocks and 2 serves. Ailama Cese led Cuba with 12 points, including 11 attacks, middle blocker Laura Suarez scored 10 points and wing spiker Claudia Hernandez added 11 points.

Dominican Republic stands with 2-0 record in pool A and Cuba has two losses for 0-2 record. The match between Dominican Republic and Mexico will decide the team that moves directly into semifinals.

Brenda Castillo, Libero player of Dominican Republic that captures everyone’s attention said “we are moving one win at a time, our goal was to beat Cuba and we are ready to face our next opponents with the same strength. We practice with a lot of effort and sacrifice, for me everybody contributes despite losing a set”.

Sulian Matienzo Cuban captain said “Dominican Republic’s level is very high, we aren’t satisfied but winning a set was important, I believe we could have done more. Our blocking and serves worked well in the set we won. Tomorrow against Venezuela we must succeed to think about quarterfinals”.

Brazilian Marcos Kwiek, coach of Dominican Republic expressed that it was a discreet performance, we respected each other, “we lost a set because Cuba was battling to survive after losing to Mexico. It was a surprise our performance in the first two sets which lacked pressure from both parts, but in the third, our rhythm was the one we should have played the whole match. There weren’t many errors; we continue to improve our defense”.

Cuba’s coach Wilfredo Robinson said his team has many experiences, “at the Pan Am Cup we beat the champion USA, comparing yesterday’s performance from tonight’s, Cuba was totally different, lacking energy. There is time to get in shape; we must beat Venezuela to reach our purpose”.