Brazil book ticket to semifinals in Guadalajara

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 17, 2011 – Brazil booked a direct ticket to the semifinals of the women’s volleyball tournament of the XVI Pan American Games following a 3-1 (25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18) victory over Cuba in Pool A on Monday. Brazil will have a rest day on Tuesday and Cuba will meet Peru in the quarterfinals.

Five Brazilian players concluded the match in double figures in the scores led by Mari Steinbrecher and Paula Pequeno with 17 and 16 points respectively. Sheila Castro contributed 13 tallies while Fabiana Claudino and Thaisa Menezes each had 10 points including 8 blocks by Fabiana. Cuba’s Yoana Palacios had a match-high 18 points and Kenia Carcaces added 17. Rosanna Giel and Gyselle Silva registered 10 apiece.

Brazil led in blocks 16-11 and Cuba had a 5-2 margin the service charts including four aces by Silva.

Jose Roberto Guimaraes (Coach of Brazil): “Cuba kept its rhythm and played good during the entire match. We went out and tried to play better. This was a much disputed match and very tough at the end of every set. These Pan Am Games are a preparation for the World Cup, where we will try clinching one of three berths to London 2012.”

Fabiana Claudino (Captain of Brazil): “We knew that we would face a team with a very strong service. We had some difficulties in some moments, but in the end we could block and solved them.”

Juan Carlos Gala (Coach of Cuba): “We had the chance to face the number one team in the world and that gave us the chance to see where really we are. Brazil’s experience always defines the crucial moments. We played against the maximum and absolute level of women’s volleyball in the world.”

Yusidey Silie (Captain of Cuba): “It was a very good match. We fought unconditionally to win even though the victory of Brazil. Our game worked, we played united and went out fighting. We will move on in the competition. All matches are difficult, and so this was.”