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Cuba on right the track

in pool B

DURANGO, Mexico, August 19, 2021.- Cuba on the right track in pool B after defeating Guatemala 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-19) at the Men’s NORCECA Continental Championship in Durango, Mexico.

Cuba´s strength in attacks and blocks subdued Guatemala’s good overall efforts; Cuba held a huge 35-18 margin in attacks and 12-4 in the blocking category; both teams scored 4 points from the service line. Guatemala committed fewer errors than Cuba (24-37).

Outside hitter Julio César Cárdenas led Cuba’s scorers with 12 points on 9 attacks, two blocks and one ace, algonside middle blocker José Israel Masso with 11 points including 8 attacks and two blocks. Outside hitter Yohan Leon contributed with 9 points.

On Guatemala’s side, outside hitter Carlos López scored 9 points on 6 attacks, two blocks and one ace, followed by outside hitter Gerardo González with 7 points on 5 attacks and two blocks.

Cuba’s (2-0) next outing in pool B is against United States (1-0) and Guatemala (0-2) against Dominican Republic (0-1).

Miguel Angel López, Captain of Cuba: “Despite not having a chance to play, from outside I saw my team struggling to adapt to Guatemala’s play; my team pushed stronger at the end of the first and slowly dominated with our best weapon, our attack”.

Yosvani Muñoz, Coach of Cuba: “Technically speaking Guatemala is inferior from us, but they came out to play us well and the pushed hard in the first set where we committed too many errors. The team recovered and I had the chance to rest some of our regular players. We usually get too relaxed playing against inferior teams”.

Adan Ruano, Setter of Guatemala: “Our unity as a team is key in our performance on the court, we have many years together and we are disciplined. We always give our best for Guatemala in each match”.

William Fernández, Coach of Guatemala: “This team knows how to play; it’s the work of Head Coach Reider Lucas. The guys have a lot of courage and play fiercely, they are warriors and don’t feel less against anyone. During practice we focused on blocking because we are aware of Cuba’s strong attack and it showed. Tomorrow is a crucial game against Dominican Republic”.