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HERMOSILLO, Mexico, August 26, 2022.- The United
States beat Cuba 3-2 (27-29, 22-25, 25-22,
25-16, 19-17) in a comeback win to claim a
semifinal spot at the 19th Women’s
Pan American Cup at the Sonora Arena in
Hermosillo.
The U.S. will play in semifinals to either
Colombia or Dominican Republic depending on the
result of the other semifinal between Mexico and
Puerto Rico.
The United States and Cuba challenged each other
the entire quarterfinal match, with the U.S.
missing four-set points in the first set which
only predicted the tough battle ahead.
The U.S. reached a comfortable seven-point lead
(11-4) in the third set with Cuba catching up to
even the score to seventeen points. The
Americans won the fourth with a comfortable
margin, and then captured a thrilling fifth set
after Cuba let it slip away, losing two
match-points and later the U.S. missing three.
The United States led 64-62 in attacks and
scored from 36 Cuban errors against 24. Cuba did
better in blocking points 16-13.
Outside hitter Avery Skinner scored 18 points as
the U.S. leading scorer, from 14 kills, two
blocks and two aces. Middle blocker Rhamat
Alhassan contributed with 16 points, including 6
stuff blocks; and opposite Stephanie Samedy
tallied 14 points.
Cuban Greisy Fine was the top attacker of the
match with 20 points on 16 kills, three blocks
and one ace, joined by outside hitter Claudia
Tarin collected 19 points and outside hitter
Ailama Cese added 11 points. Middle blocker
Dayana Martinez topped in blocks with 7 points.
Stephanie Samedy, opposite of United States:
“We were able to compensate and adjust, Cuba was
great, they came out swinging and played good
defense as well; props to them. We put up a
great fight and we will do the same in the
semifinal”. |
