Cuba books spot in Pan Am Semi Finals

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 26, 2011 – Cuba booked an express ticket to the semifinals of the men’s volleyball tournament at the XVI Pan American Games following a  straight-set victory (25-18, 25-21, 25-23) over Mexico on Wednesday.

Cuba, which finished with a 3-0 win-loss record in Pool A, relied on their strong defense at the net scoring via 15 blocks to only 6 by the defeated side with setter Raydel Hierrezuelo leading the category with four.

Wilfredo Leon topped the scoring charts with 15 points, including three aces, and Henry Bell finished with 10 points. The best scorers for Mexico were Ivan Contreras and Tomas Aguilera with 9 apiece.

Wilfredo León (Captain of Cuba): “Our team played a good match. We had a few mistakes that we had not made previously, but we solved them. We still have some matches to come. I congratulate Mexico for the way they are playing and we hope they go ahead in this tournament.”

Iván Contreras (Captain of Mexico): “We are a little bit disappointed for the defeat. Cuba is a world caliber team despite they were not laying physically on one hundred percent. But at the same time I am happy for the performance of our team. Tomorrow will be the important match.”

Orlando Samuel (Coach of Cuba): “This was a very quiet match; we played just at the half of our force. We are focused in what will happen before tomorrow. We have one extra day of preparation to get into the semifinals, and we hope teams, Mexico and us can keep going in the way to the medals.”

Jorge Azair (Coach of Mexico): “Cuba is a very tough rival for us. We made some movements. After the match between Puerto Rico and Venezuela we feel more calmed. But now we have to forget what happened today, yesterday and before yesterday. The most important match is tomorrow and we will fight for it till the end.”