Cuba grabs spot in Guadalajara semifinals

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 18, 2011 – Cuba secured a spot in the semifinals of the women’s volleyball tournament of the XVI Pan American Games after downing Peru in straight sets (25-18, 25-19, 26-24) on Tuesday in their quarterfinal contest in front of 3,500 spectators at Avila Camacho Sport Complex in Guadalajara.

The high blocking of Cuba proved to be one of the keys to the victory as they held a 14-5 advantage in that category with Yusidey Silie and Gyselle Silva each registering three blocks.

Rosana Giel led Cuba with 13 points and Yoana Palacios added 11. Silva and Kenia Carcaces recorded 10 points apiece. Peru’s Yulissa Zamudio finished with 13 and Jessenia Uceda contributed 9 tallies.

Juan Carlos Gala (Coach of Cuba): “I think Cuba did not play its best match. We had a different start in comparison with the previous match. We experienced some difficulties. I saw the players very calmed and I did not like that. We struggled with the blocking game, but finally had the chance to do the right job and whatever happens, we will face USA.”

Luca Cristofani (Coach of Peru): “When you play a team like Cuba, you have to play hard- We could do more on the third set. Unfortunately we had an injured setter, and you have to make a choice that sometimes it is not easy, after seen what we did on the third set.”

Yusidey Silie Frometa (Captain of Cuba): “We began so confident with the victory, but we struggled a little. Fortunately we could win the match, and we can follow in the competition”.

Patricia Soto (Captain of Peru): “Peru could not go out and play at its best. Unfortunately we have suffered a lot of injuries. In my case I haven’t recovered completely and have spent a lot of time in bed. We had the chance of using younger players, it can help us and help them a lot, but we were not complete as a team”.