Cuba qualifies to the quarterfinals

MEXICO CITY, Mexico, June 15, 2014 – Cuba earned a quarterfinals spot in the XIII Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup after defeating Peru in consecutive sets (28-26, 27-25, 25-18) on Sunday at Juan de la Barrera Gymnasium.

Once again young sensation Melissa Vargas led Cuba with 24 points, including six blocks, followed by Sulian Matienzo and Jennifer Alvarez with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Daymara Lescay had four blocks among her nine points, in the victory.

Angela Leyva topped Peru with 15 points and next was Karla Ortiz, who tallied 11.

Cuba held a huge margin in blocks 13-4 to make up for 23 unforced errors compared with only 14 by Peru.

“We accomplished our first goal which was to qualify to the World Grand Prix’s second group,” Cuba’s Coach Juan Carlos Gala said. “The girls played outstanding and the first two sets were decisive to avoid an extended match. Now we have to prepare for the next matches and hopefully to continue winning. The team performed well.”

Natalia Malaga, Coach of Peru: “Our team makes errors like all teams do. We have the advantage of the young age of the players who have room to improve. The disadvantage is our size. We need to jump more to compensate the lack of height but also have to develop the defensive game to compete against the faster teams.”

Karla Ortiz, Captain of Peru: “We played good for the first two sets but couldn’t make the plays to close. In the second set we were leading by four points and couldn’t win. In the third set the team was like flat-foot and with no desire to fight.”