Cuba beat Nicaragua for fifth place

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, August 26, 2012 - Cuba beat Nicaragua in straight sets 25-4, 25-8 and 25-10 to claim the fifth place at the NORCECA Women’s Junior Continental Championship.

Sulian Matienzo was the highest scorer for the Cubans with 13 points, 11 of them in direct attacks, Anet Aflonso and Yalennis Diaz collected 8 apiece. Cuba finished with a 2-2 win-loss record, while Nicaragua registered 1-2.

Florelisa Smith Nicaragua’s captain said: “We did our best effort and I’m satisfied with my team, we knew that a favorable result was very difficult.”

“I want to congratulate the Nicaraguan girls and encourage them to practice more; we’re taking a lot of experience to continue working hard,” said Suliana Matienzo captain for the Cuban team.

“My team is very young and today they all had a chance to play even Vargas the youngest, she’s 12 years old,” said Wilfredo Robinson coach for the winning team, “I congratulate Nicaragua’s courage; as for us, we weren’t able to reach our goal to qualify to the world championship, it’s still a possible but we must work a lot to make it happen.”

Claudia Noguera coach for Nicaragua was optimistic. “Since Nicaragua accepted to organize the tournament we knew we would be facing powerful teams, our main goal was achieved by qualifying to the next round and this experience motivates the players to continue practicing.”