Cuba to defend the title

MAYAGÜEZ, Puerto Rico, September 2, 2011.- Cuba advanced to the gold medal match to defend the title of the Men’s NORCECA Continental Championship by defeating Canada 3-2 (23-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-17, 15-9) in the first semifinal on Friday night.

Cuba saw off Canada in a one on one match making the difference with an 11-3 higher record in blocks and categorical 12-3 in aces.  Cuba reaches the final match with 4-1 win-loss in total.

Cuba’s captain, Wilfredo Leon was de best scorer with 28 points, helped by Fernando Hernandez with 26. For Canada, Gavin Schmitt was the leader with 25 points.

“Each match is becoming more difficult and it’s good that we’re in the final again; we still have to work on our deficiencies, congratulations to Canada they did well” said Wilfredo Leon.

Frederic Winters Canada’s captain expressed “we were highly motivated to play Cuba, we knew it was going to be strong regardless who of them were in the court and it comes as a huge disappointment not to control our serves, but going for the bronze is still good.”

Coach Glenn Hoag indicated “we struggled with the pressure in their serves but it was a good match for us and our young players who still are preparing themselves.”

Orlando Samuels, Cuban coach said “it’s an important victory for our young players and for Cuba; it was an intense match as Canada has developed much more.”