Cuba earns the chance to defend the crown

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 19, 2011 – Defending champions Cuba defeated United States 3-1 (25-17, 25-16, 25-27, 25-21) to advance to the gold medal match of the women’s volleyball tournament at the XVI Pan American Games on Wednesday. Cuba had the six-point margin in blocks 16-11 while United States had the edge in aces 7-6.

Yoana Palacios led Cuba with 25 points as five other teammates also reached double digits in the scoring charts. Kenia Carcaces and Gyselle Silva registered 14 points apiece, while Yanelis Santos, Rosanna Giel and Yusidey Silie each finished with 11 tallies. Cynthia Barboza and Alexandra Klineman finished with 14 and 12 points respectively for the defeated side.

Juan Carlos Gala (Coach of Cuba): “USA is a team we respect a lot. We could achieve the goal on the first two sets with our service. USA knew how to recover and went out looking for the victory on the third and fourth. They are a team with a lot of courage, and they showed by winning their pool in the tournament.”

Andy Banachowiski (Coach of USA): “I wish them good luck on the gold medal match. We came with the hope of winning medal and the possibility still exists for us. Cuba put a lot of pressure tonight with the service. I am really proud of how the team played on the third and fourth sets.”

Yusidey Frometa (Captain of Cuba): “We are super happy I thing we did a great match, confident and focused since the beginning, We struggled in the third and fourth sets with the reception, but we recovered and finally we won the match and are very, very happy.”

Cynthia Barboza (Captain of USA): “Cuba played a really solid match, I am proud of my team, and how we played in the third and fourth sets. We are going to refocus to play for the bronze medal. We love playing here it is a fine atmosphere in Guadalajara.”