Cuba and Peru are the other semi finalists in Monterrey

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 27, 2006.- Cuba and Peru completed on Wednesday the four semifinalists of the TV Azteca’s Volleyball Women Stars Cup.

On Thursday, Cuba will meet Dominican Republic while Peru will entertain Puerto Rico, the unbeaten winners of Pools A and B respectively.

Cuba defeated Mexico 28-26, 25-19, 26-24 and Peru scored a 25-18, 16-25, 26-24, 25-18 over USA.

Cuban Yusleini Herrera repeated her dose of power against the Mexicans, who could not stop her continuous spikes good for 21 points, this time supported by 14 points each from Yusidey Silie and Natali Grinan. Slender Bibi Candelas was the only Mexican in double figures with 17 points.

Peruvian Milagros Moy led her side with 14 tallies while Natalia Romanova and Mirtha Uribe each had 12 points and Patricia Soto added 11. American Jane Collymore led all players with 23 points, giant Elizabeth Bachman had 12 and Zoe Garrett contributed 11 points.

“I want to congratulate the Mexican team and my countryman (Orlando) Samuel because they presented a great show for the well deserved fans,” said Idalberto Valdes, the Cuban coach. “The key for the victory was the strength of our serves that eliminated their middle blockers who are very important for them.”

“The victory over USA is very important because you don’t beat everyday a team like that,” said Carlos Aparicio, the Peruvian coach. “It is of great motivation f or the girls and it prepares us for the World Championship.”

“Our goal is to make the final match,” said Leyla Chihuan, the Peruvian captain, “but to get there you need to continue playing well and as a team.”