SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic, August 26, 2005.- Cuba is 2-0 at the Norceca-E FIVB Women’s World Championships Qualification Tournament after a straight sets triumph over Costa Rica by score of 25-7, 25-12, 25-20. Rosir Calderon and Rachel Sanchez led Cuba with 10 points apiece.

Cubans Yumilka Ruiz and Zoila Barros remained on the sides for the second consecutive day. The big serves of  Sanchez gave Cuba an 8-3 lead in the first set and the margin escalated to 16-5 with the spikes and blocking of Nancy Carrillo. Calderon’s spikes sealed the victory.

Cuba was leading by two points at the first technical pause in the second set, but the kills of Carrillo provided a boost and the gap improved to 16-9 at the second stop. Sanchez finished the job with excellent overall performance.

Costa Rica led 8-7 in the third set thanks to effective attack of siblings Verania and Angela Willis combined with inconsistent serves by Cuba. The Costa Rican were still ahead 16-15 at the second time-out, but Daimi Ramirez led a Cuban charge to close the match. V

Verania Willis, captain of Costa Rica: “We knew the game was going to be tough. Our goal was to make as much points as possible and we improved set by set. I think we accomplished our objectives.”

Rachel Sanchez, player of Cuba: “We played well the first two sets and then lost the concentration. This is my first year with the senior team and personally I felt more relaxed playing this second match.”

Braulio Godinez, coach of Costa Rica: “To clash with Cuba is always a volleyball lesson. They surprised us with their serves in the first set decided by a wide margin. The tournament for us starts now with the remaining matches against Jamaica and Guatemala.”

Felipe Calderon, coach of Cuba: “We are giving the chance to play to our young players and they are responding well. Costa Rica is improving and they played a good third set.”