Cuba defeats Canada with strong offense

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 15, 2011 – Cuba beat Canada in consecutive sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-18) to open Pool A of the Pan American Games’ Women Volleyball Tournament on Saturday. Cuba held a 9-2 advantage in blocking and was also better in service aces 4-0.

Yoanna Palacios topped the balanced attack of Cuba with 12 points while Kenia Carcaces and Gyselle Silva each contributed 9. Yanelis Santos, Yusidey Silie and Rosanna Giel charted 8 apiece. Canada’s Elizabeth Cordonier had 11 tallies and Tammy Mahon added 7.

“The first victory is always an important one,” Cuba’s Coach Juan Carlos Gala said. “This is very young team that is working hard to continue improving. In our next two games against Dominican Republic and Brazil we will battle point by point and set by set.”

“I am very happy for this victory, it was a great match with a big rivalry and we feel satisfied because people saw a Cuban team with a decision to win,” Cuban Captain Silie said. “We also felt so motivated because a great player like Yumilka Ruiz (now retired and serving as International Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission) was here supporting us from the bench.”

“I am happy with the performance of my team that is living its first Pan American experience in twelve years,” Canada’s Coach Arnd Ludwig stated. “Cuba is a very strong team, and we have a lot to improve and work hard in our attack, and blocking game.”

“I want to congratulate Cuba. It is a very exciting environment to be a part of,” Canada’s Mahon said. “We faced a team with a very powerful attack, and we have to make the adjustments because in our pool all the teams play like that.”