Cuba will play The Netherlands in preparation for World Championship 

HAVANA, Cuba, October 9, 2006.- Fourteen Cuban players are currently training in Russia paving the road toward the Women’s World Championship to be held in several Japanese cities starting on October 31.

Standouts middle blockers Zoila Barros and Nancy Carrillo along with attackers Yumilka Ruiz and Rosir Calderon are the top fixtures of the squad that also features setters Daimi Ramirez, Liana Mesa and Yanelis Santos.

At the end of this final phase, twelve players will be selected with the mission of improving the fifth place attained by Cuba’s women in Germany 2002.

The training group includes also Rachel Sanchez, Yenisey Gonzalez, Yaima Ortiz, Kenia Carcaces, Lisbet Arredondo, Yusidey Silie and Yusleinis Herrera.

Herrera is a young promising player who led by far margin all the scorers at the TV Azteca Cup in Monterrey, Mexico last month.

The Cubans will play a three-game series against the Netherlands National Team before their trip to Nagoya in Japan.

Cuba will be part of Pool D with Turkey, Serbia & Montenegro, Egypt, Italy and Peru.

Felipe Calderon, assisted by Eugenio and Eider George, is the head coach of Cuba, winner of the World Championships in 1978, 1994 and 1998.