Cuba to play Dominican Republic for Group A top spot

FORT LAUDERDALE, United States, July 27, 2016.- Cuba beat Costa Rica 3-0 (25-9, 25-9, 25-10) and will play Dominican Republic for group A top spot at the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Championship Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Cuba and Dominican Republic, both unbeaten (2-0), will battle to decide the winner of a bye into the semifinals round, while Costa Rica (0-2) faces Haiti (0-2) as preliminary round resumes.

The difference in physical conditions was a crucial factor Cuba’s victory over Costa Rica. Cubans prevailed with 40-13 margin in spikes, 6-0 in blocking and 11-0 in serves.

Outside hitter Diaris Perez led Cuba’s scorers with 13 points, followed by middle blocker Laura Suarez with 12 points and setter Dalila Palma with 10 points.

Cuban coach Roberto Garcia said “we had better harmony and rhythm today, despite that Costa Rica showed more level than Haiti. Tomorrow’s match is crucial and we will need all our best skills to beat Dominican Republic, they have powerful serves and good blocking, my team is ready”.

Diaris Perez captain of Cuba said “I take my job on the court very serious because I want to fulfill our strategy, it doesn’t matter who we’re facing. In previous years we’ve faced Costa Rica and hope they continue to improve. We came prepared for tomorrow’s match, the hardest in the preliminary round”.

Captain Mariana Rodriguez of Costa Rica said “our goal was to use the first matches as preparation for the last match in the preliminary round. We are concentrated for tomorrow’s match because we know that winning will grant us a better result”.

“The physical conditions of our opponents limited our game, but I liked my team’s performance” said Andres Lopez. “Haiti is also physically stronger than us and I hope for our tactics to work” he added.