Cubans qualified to 2008 FIVB Grand Prix

 

COLIMA, Mexico, June 25, 2007.- Cuba became the first team to earn a ticket to the FIVB 2008 World Grand Prix by defeating Brazil 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-18) and winning Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

 

As Pool winners, the Cubans advanced to the semi final round of the event and are secured to finish as one of the top three teams from NORCECA Confederation in this annual intercontinental competition.

 

Cuba (1.317), Brazil (1.159) and Puerto Rico (1.155) finished with identical 4-1 records and the positions were determined by points-ratio system.

 

Nancy Carrillo and Yanelis Santos led Cuba with 13 and 12 points, Rosir Calderon had 8 and Yumilka Ruiz, Zoila Barros and Daimi Ramirez each had 6. Ingrid Felix and Natalia Pereira had 11 and 9 respectively for Brazil.

 

The Cuban strong serves created difficulties to the young Brazilians who entered the match with a 4-0 record.

 

“We achieved the goal of qualifying to the Grand Prix of next year,” said Yumilka Ruiz. “It was a good match with the Brazilian girls getting the sweat out of us.”

 

“The serves of Cuba were our main problem,” said Betina Schmidt. “But maybe we will see them again in the finals.”