Cuba makes semis after five-set battle with Venezuela

LIMA, Peru, June 19, 2011 – Cuba defeated Venezuela 3-2 (18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 15-9) and advanced to the Monday’s semifinals against hosts Peru at the U-20 Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup.

In the first match that goes to the limit of five sets in the tournament, Sulia Matienzo and Regla Garcia led the Cuban offense with 23 and 22 points respectively. Middle blocker Heidry Rodríguez chipped in with 10.

Four players of Venezuela finished with double digits in scoring. Roslandy Acosta recorded 17 while Sharlin Bidean, Rachel Aguilar and Elianni Gómez, had 15 points apiece.

“I keep insisting with my players that there are not small rivals and you have to go out to give it all and that’s the attitude Venezuela had today. The World Championship is approaching and to get good results you need to have a high game rhythm,” said a disappointed Wilfredo Robinson, the Cuban coach.

Captain Yunieska Roble, disappointed with her sub-par performance only said “it was a good game for both teams.”

Despite the loss, Venezuela’s coach Yonathan Rojas and Captain Sharlin Bidean were satisfied with the resistance they presented to the Cubans.

“It is a rival with a long history,” Rojas said, “and we are prepared for these circumstances.”

Bidean agreed with her coach. “We couldn’t reach our goal of finishing among the top four, but we played a good game and tomorrow we will try to do the same again.”