Cuba score smooth victory over Curacao

HAVANA, Cuba, May 14, 2014 - Cuba debuted with victory over Curacao in straight sets (25-5, 25-17, 25-18) in the nightcap of the opening day at the FIVB Women’s World Championship NORCECA Qualifying Tournament Pool Q at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum on Wednesday.

While the Cubans are younger than the visitors they are bigger in size and are showed more harmony in their tactics which was evident in the match even though they committed unforced errors for moments, especially in their services.

School-girl Melissa Vargas (only 14 years old) was the top scorer of the match with 16 points followed by Jennifer Alvarez, who added 13 in the win as the only double-digit scorers for the home team. Curacao’s Christine Anthony finished with 11 points.

Cuba’s coach Juan Carlos Gala said: "The first match is always a difficult one especially for such a young team. I think the serves were not at the peak level and that’s our weapon to face the other teams, but the win is rewarding in front of your fans something that, paradoxically, we almost never do.”

Middle blocker Rosanna Giel, the home team captain admitted that the team lacked motivation a little bit.

"As the game went on we gained confidence, but it should not happen because the opponent usually grow up if you give them a chance."

Meanwhile Henry Delfina, the head coach of Curacao did not hesitate to rate Cuba as a strong team with world class.

"My girls got nervous in the first set with our reception especially against a rival with very strong services. In the rest of the match we improved but not enough to beat the home side.”

Christine, the captain of Curacao said: "We were really nervous and despite some improvements we were not able to play the way we have played in the past. We were slow against a young team with a great future."