Cuba shows power in triumph against Costa Rica 

HAVANA, Cuba, March 28, 2017 – Hosts Cuba dominated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-13, 25-7, 25-13) in Pool C to close opening day at the U18 Girls’ Pan American Cup taking place at the Sports Palace of Ciudad Deportiva.

Ailama Cesé led three Cuban players with double digits in the scores with 15 points. Elizabeth Vicet and Evilania Martinez each contributed 11 points in the victory. Costa Rica’s Isayana Soto had 7 points.

Juan Carlos Cruz, coach of Cuba: “In spite of a rival with lower technical-tactical level, we were able to put in practice what we trained. We attacked from several positions and ways, and also did the same with the serves. In general they complied with the instructions.”

Elizabeth Vicet, captain of Cuba: “Even though it was not easy we did not relaxed to avoid getting into their game so we led from the start and kept the distance.”

Andres Lopez, coach of Costa Rica: “I congratulate Cuba because they keep producing players of good level, in this case the girls. We were overwhelmed by a strong team at the net and good size. We only showed flashes of our game, but nothing concrete.”

Tamara Espinoza, captain of Costa Rica: “We didn’t do what we practiced. We could have played better but did our best against an opponent with a lot of power.”