Cuba claims bronze at U-20 Pan Am Cup

LIMA, Peru, June 21, 2011 – Cuba won the bronze medal at the U-20 Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Mexico in four sets 25-20, 25-18, 17-25, 25-23 on Tuesday.

Regla Gracia led the Cuban attack with 18 points, followed by Heidy Rodríguez (14), Sulia Matienzo (12) and Yunieska Roble (11).  For Mexico, Samantha Bricio and Alejandra Isiordia scored 20 apiece and Alicia Soto added 11.

Wilfredo Robinson, coach of Cuba, said: “We achieved our objective of a podium place even though we didn’t have our complete squad. The cup had an excellent level and helped our team for the world championship next month here.”

Víctor García, coach of Mexico, said: “My players showed discipline and excellent attitude and you also win points with those qualities.”

Cuba’s captain Roble: “It was a good game where we won easily the first two, but in the third and fourth the Mexicans battled hard and it was good for both teams.”

Alicia Castro, the setter and captain of Mexico said: “It was a good battle against Cuba, a tall opponent with good physic presence, but they edged us because our immature was evident.”