Brazil to play for the gold medal

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 19, 2012 - Defending champions Brazil defeated Cuba in four sets (27-25, 25-18, 19-25, 25-17) to advance to the gold medal match of the XI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup. The South Americans held the advantage in blocks (12-7) and aces (6-3).

Gabriela Braga was Brazil’s leading scorer with 14 points followed by Priscila Dairot, Andressa Picussa and Joyce Silva who collected 11 points. Natasha Farinea contributed 10.

Cuba’s Yoana Palacios had a match-high 16 points. Yanelis Santos (14), Wilma Salas (12) and Gyselle Silva (10) also finished with double figures.

“Our team served very well and with our strong serves we were able to adjust our blocking,” Brazil’s Farinea said. “We are very happy about playing for the gold medal.”

“We failed in our tactical serves and they attacked down the middle,” Cuba’s Yusidey Silie said. “Now we have to think about playing for the bronze medal.”

“We executed everything we studied and trained for,” Brazil’s Claudio Pinheiro said. “I am grateful to our coach Ze Roberto who gave me the confidence to manage this team. We followed the same pattern of our senior team. This competition is of great help for the development of our young players.”

“Brazil won the tactical battle of serve and blocking,” Cuba’s Juan Carlos Gala said. “It was a good game for Brazil with their strong and tactical serves.”