Argentina gets the upper hand against Cuba

LIMA, Peru, September 19, 2016 – Argentina defeated Cuba 3-1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 25-22) in the second match of day one at the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup at Manuel Bonilla Coliseum of Lima on Monday.

Daniela Bulaich and Camila Hiruela were the top scorers for Argentina with 19 and 17 points, respectively.  Candelaria Herrera and Sol Piccolo contributed 10 and 9 in the victory.

Cuba’s Claudia Hernandez and Yelennis Diaz finished with 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Diaris Perez and Dalila Palma had 9 and 8 in the loss.

Cuba gave away 34 points via errors to 27 by Argentina. Both teams scored with 8 blocks and Cuba held an 11-8 margin in aces.

Guillermo Orduna, coach of Argentina: “It was very important for us to start the tournament with a victory because it marks a very good attitude for the team that was able to overcome difficult times and that generates a lot of confidence for the future.”

Daniela Bulaich, player of Argentina: “We knew we had a strong opponent with their blocking and attack so we tried to complicate them on defense and reception. At the beginning we served well, then we had many mistakes but came back with good rhythm in the serves to claim the victory.”

Roberto García, dirigente de Cuba: “Fue un buen partido, cometimos errores en momentos claves pero creo que fue un buen desempeño de las chicas y confío en que al final estaremos en el podio”.

Roberto Garcia, coach of Cuba: “It was a good match. We made errors at the key moments but I think it was a good performance by the girls and I am confident we are going to be on the podium.”

Claudia Hernandez, player of Cuba: “At the beginning of the sets we made many mistakes especially on defense and the blocking at the corners was not effective. Thos little mistakes cost us the victory.  But this was our first match and starting from there we will continue improving to get the best result in the final rankings.”