Cuba use power to defeat Brazil  

TIJUANA, Mexico, June 18, 2010 – Cuba used powerful serves and strong blocking to defeat Brazil 3-1 (27-25, 23-25, 25-17, 25-21) in a match of Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup at the High Performance Center Gym in Tijuana. The Cubans had an advantage of 12-5 in blocking and a 10-4 margin in serving aces.

Kenia Carcaces led five Cuban players in double figures with a match-high 20 points while Ana Cleger and Liannes Castañeda contributed 17 and 11 points respectively. Gisell Silva and Rachel Sanchez each charted 10. Brazilian Sthefanie Tieles led her side with 16 points.

“We didn’t play well as the serves of Brazil gave problems to our reception,” Cuban Coach Juan Carlos Gala said. “I think our girls were a little over confident playing against a very young but very good Brazilian side.”

“Our team played well against a strong opponent,” Brazilian Coach Luizomar de Moura said. “This is a team with nine players of last year’s youth world champions and they showed courage which is important for players of their age.”