USA AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGISTER VICTORIES AT U20 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Dominican Republic Marianne Fersola poses  with
the World Championship's Mascot.

LIMA, Peru, July 22, 2011 – Dominican Republic and USA started off with victories at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Junior World Championship on Friday. Cuba lost to Serbia.

In Pool D, Dominican Republic won the first match in Lima as the runners-up of the most recent edition defeated Japan 25-14, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22 in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Dominican Republic’s Marianne Fersola was the match top scorer with 19 points while Elizabeth Martinez added 18 points.

Saori Kaneko led Japan’s scoring with 15 points as four different players reached double-figure scoring. Dominican Republic collected a 14-5 margin in blocks to offset Japan’s slim 5-4 edge in service aces.

In a rematch of the finals of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the United States faced Belgium. This time, the United States came out on top winning in straight sets (25-21, 25-18, 25-16).

United States’ Haley Eckerman scored eight of her team-high 15 points in the third set.

Belgium’s Lise Van Hecke totaled a match-high 18 points as the only consistent scoring threat for her team. The Americans held a 13-5 block advantage and converted 43 percent of their spikes for points.

Serbia closed with a 3-1 victory over Cuba (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 25-10) and took the 3 point that was played.

Serbia's Ivana Lukovic was the top scorer for her team with 18 points, joined by Jovana Stevanovic, Ana Bjelica and Maja Savic who all scored 12 points.

The Cuban attacker Sulian Matienzo topped all the scorers with 21 points, while the captain Yunieska Robles scored 16 points.

DOMINICAN GIRLS SWEEP BELGIUM IN SANTO DOMINGO

The Dominican team won 4-0 against the Belgians, prior
to their departure to Peru.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 20, 2011 – Dominican Republic swept Belgium 4-0 in a friendly series held in Santo Domingo ahead of the FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship in Peru on July 22-31. Both teams departed on Wednesday.

The threesome of Brayelin Martinez, Yonkaira Peña and Ana Binet standed out for the Dominican side while Lise Van Hecke and Lotte Penders were the best Belgium scorers during the series played at the Volleyball Complex of Santo Domingo.

The home team won the first contest 3-0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-22) with Peña and Martinez leading the winners with 17 and 13 points respectively. Van Hecke registered 16 points for the Belgians.

The second match finished 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-18) with Martinez as the best scorer with 16 points. Binet, Marianne Fersola and Candida Arias each recorded 10 points. Van Hecke and Penders finished with 11 and 10 respectively.

The Dominicans won the third match 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 26-24) where Van Hecke topped all the scorers with 14 points.

The last match, played on Tuesday, the final score was 3-1 (25-21, 24-26, 25-10, 25-23). Arias and Martinez registered 15 points apiece while Peña and Binet recorded 14 and 13 respectively. Van Hecke closed with 12.

PUERTO RICAN ACOSTA WAS ELECTED MVP OF BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Brazil contributed with four players to the All Star Team. MEXICALI, Mexico, July 16, 2011 –  Carlos Acosta  of silver medalists Puerto Rico  was elected  as the Most Valuable Player of the  inaugural U-19 Boys’  Pan American Cup  won by Brazil on Saturday night  at the State Auditorium  of Mexicali. Another Puerto Rican awarded  during the closing ceremony was  Luis Bertran as best digger  and best libero. The crowned champions Brazil  had four players receiving individual  awards as Joao Ferreira and  Alan Souza finished as best spiker  and best blocker respectively. Thiago Veloso concluded as best setter and Rogerio Carvalho  received the trophy as best receiver. Brandon Legall of Trinidad and Tobago was the competition’s  best scorer and best server. The awards were presented by NORCECA’s authorities  and by members of the tournament’s Organizing Committee.

BRAZIL CONQUERED THE FIRST BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

The amazonian team won the gold medal.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 16 2011.— Brazil became the first champion of the Boys’ U19 Pan Am Cup after defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-16).

Joao Ferreira scored 13, Flavio Gualberto and Henrique Batagim 9 for the Brazilian team. Carlos Acosta, scored 5 for Puerto Rico.

“Today we did not show the big wish of winning on the court, my teammates gave their best, but it was not enough”, said Acosta. “I want to congratulate Puerto Rico. This was a good match for us, because we set a strategy set by set and we hope to have a good preparation for the world championship”, stated Thiago Veloso, Brazilian captain.

Puerto Rico’s coach, Ramon Lawrence remarked that their rivals had a good tactical plan, but after this result, they are focused in working for the World Championship after the learning experience at this tournament.

“Our strategy helped us to win and succeed. The boys played with their heart and hard work”, said Percy Oncken, about the Brazilian victory, from which they will make the most on the road to the World Championship in Argentina.

USA WINS BRONZE MEDAL AGAINST MEXICO

The American team finished third at I Boys' U19
Pan American Cup.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 16 2011.— The United States Volleyball team won the bronze medal of at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup after winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-21) against Mexico.

Cody Caldwell scored 14, while Scott Rhein and Aaron Russell tallied 10 apiece for USA. Mexico’s top scorer was Marco Antonio Rodriguez with 7 points, while Sergio Perez recorded 6. “We knew this was going to be a very hard match after a long one against Puerto Rico. We tried to regain the motivation by starting over, but faced a very strong American team”, stated Jonathan Ponce about the host team.

“I am proud of my teammates. We also had a very long and tough previous match against Brazil. Mexico played unbelievably but we went together as a team”, said USA captain Matthew West.

“I think we lost since yesterday’s match (against Puerto Rico). If I can explain about it, the boys were not motivated. We tried to upraise their enthusiasm, but they were lack of it”, mentioned Oscar Licea about Mexican Team.

For American coach Ken Shibuya facing Mexico for the second time was a challenge. “It is a fantastic team and his coach is bright, it is bad to not see them in Argentina. I want to thank the Mexican Federation for the chance of playing here. This was a first class event”, Shibuya stated.

After this competition, USA will continue its preparation for the World Championship in Argentina, while Mexican coach Licea will work with the U17 unit focusing on the 2013 Youth World Championship.

PUERTO RICO DEFEAT MEXICO, WILL FACE BRAZIL IN FINALS

Puerto Ricans advanced to the finals after
defeating Mexico.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 15 2011.— Francisco Velez scored 25 and Puerto Rico defeated the host Mexico 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13) to face Brazil at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup for the gold medal.

Along with Velez, Carlos Acosta and Edgardo Cartagena scored 17 and 15.Mexico’s Sergio Perez finished with 17, Marco Rodriguez 15, Roberto Rincon 14, and Cristian Limon 12. “Playing this match was a great motivation for us. They knew how to set on the court and the match went out of our hands”, said Mexican captain Jonathan Ponce.

“We knew about the quality of our rivals, that’s the way it is, and congratulations to Puerto Rico”, stated Mexico’s coach Oscar Licea. “It was a very tough match, full of emotions, and we knew how to solve it, it was the best match I have ever played, but we still need to make some progress”, said Puerto Rican Carlos Acosta.

“The boys did not fell down, they kept playing and tomorrow we will have a very difficult match against Brazil, and must play with no conformism”, remarked coach Ramon Lawrence.

Mexico will play for the bronze medal, against USA.

BRAZIL REACHES THE FINALS AT BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Allan Souza tallied 17 points.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 15 2011.— Brazil reached the finals at the Boys’ U19 Pan Am Cup after defeating the United States 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-21).

Alan Souza tallied 17 points, while Joao Ferreira 13 and Henrique Battagim 10. For USA Matthew Tarantino scored 14. “I really liked the attitude showed by the team and at the same time I want to congratulate USA”, said Brazilian captain Thiago Veloso.

“I talked to our coach about the rallies we lost and we won in this match and the match against Mexico. Brazil did a great job with his captain, his setter, this was a big experience for us to learn”, stated American captain Matthew West.

“We faced a good team, very talented and experienced, and hope to recreate what they showed but on our side. We played well but there were some mistakes that cost to lose the last two sets”, said Ken Shibuya about USA and the Brazilian performance.

“We planned a strategy and it worked for us, but we still have a lot to improve in blocking and defending situations”, said Percy Oncken about Brazil that will play the final match for the gold this Saturday night.

COSTA RICA FINISH IN FIFTH PLACE

Costa Rica defeated Trinidad & Tobago in the match
for fifth place.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 15 2011.— Costa Rica finished in the fifth place after a 3-2 victory over Trinidad & Tobago (13-25, 25-20, 13-25, 25-21, 15-12) at the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup.

Brandon Legall was the top scorer of this match, after finishing with 25 points for Trinidad & Tobago, while Kevin James finished with 13. Meyson Jafet García scored 18 for Costa Rica, and Cesar Gomez finished with 10.

“We are so glad for this victory, and with all the attention given to us by the organization”, said Henry Rodríguez, head coach of Costa Rica. “We came from behind, we were not too constant on the first set, but it is part of the learning curve”, stated captain Andres Araya.

“We could not close the important points”, said Ryan Thomas about Trinidad & Tobago. “I think this was a very competitive match, we had some sets in our favor, but unfortunately we could not win”, remarked Trinidadian coach David Camacho.

USA AGAINST BRAZIL: THE MOST EXPECTED MATCH AT BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Americans look for a berth in the finals

Mexicali, Mexico, July 14 2011.— The United States of America qualified to the semifinals at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup by defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-19, 25-4, 25-12).

Gregory Petty scored 16 points and Scott Rhein 10 for the American team, while Meyson García scored 5 for Costa Rica. “The first set was good for us, but we failed on the second and lost concentration”, said Andres Araya.

“Playing against the United States is a honor, the boys felt very well, they were not nervious and looked more concentrated on the first set”, remarked Costa Rican coach Henry Rodriguez.

“We played better today, with more communication and chemistry”, stated Matthew West about USA, whose coach, Ken Shibuya is focusing now on Brazil.

 “It will be a tough match. Brazil is a very experienced team, their coach Percy (Oncken) has a lot of time directing their program, and you don’t know how good you are until you play the best”, said Shibuya.

Costa Rica will match Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth place, and USA will play against Brazil in the first semifinal.

PUERTO RICO, TO FACE MEXICO IN THE SEMIFINALS

After a day off, Mexico prepares for its next rival.

MEXICALI, Mexico, July 14 2011.— Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinals of the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup after defeating Trinidad and Tobago in the quarterfinal round 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-18).

Edgardo Cartagena and Carlos Acosta topped with 10 for Puerto Rico. The same number of points were also achieved by Brandon Legall for Trinidad and Tobago. “We faced a very competitive team like Puerto Rico, it was difficult for us but never gave up”, said Ryan Thomas about the Trinidadian team.

“This was an interesting match for us that are trying to improve and work a little bit more as a joint team before the World Championship”, stated Puerto Rico’s Carlos Acosta.

Puerto Rico will match Mexico, in the semifinals. “We have played previously, last year at the Norceca championship. We won the medal and the pass to the World Championship, but it will be different this time and have to do the right things”, said coach Ramon Lawrence.

“We had limited time to prepare for this tournament, but we’ve tried to be stuck to our plan as much as possible”, mentioned David Camacho of Trinidad and Tobago, that was waiting for the loser team of the match between USA and Costa Rica to play the classification for 5th and 6th places.

MEXICO GIVES A BIG SURPRISE AGAINST THE U.S.

MEXICO DEFEATED USA 3-2

Mexicali, Mexico, July 13 2011.- Mexico gave the big surprise of the Cup after defeating USA 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 21-25, 27-25, 15-13) and qualified to the semifinals.

Matthew Tarantino scored 23 for USA, while Aaron Russell 19, Cody Caldwell finished with 16, and Douglas White 14. Cristian Limon Finished with 17 for Mexico, while Sergio Perez and Marco Rodriguez finished with 12 a piece, and Roberto Rincon with 11.

"Actually this was our second match of this year, and it was a very good one on both sides. We were six players in the courts against another six players and two thousand more, but really wanted to experience how it feels to face a team locally with all the support of the fans", stated American coach Ken Shibuya.

For Oscar Licea, Mexican coach, his team "played with the heart and courage, we kept playing positively and want to congratulate the boys and thank the fans for supporting us".

USA captain Matthew West said: "Mexico played with a lot of passion and fantastically".

Mexico's Jonathan Ponce said that the key was to keep the calm and think positively. "We decided to play a very smart on the last set and did not lose the wish to win".

Mexico will have a bye date this Thursday, and will play again until Friday in the semifinals. USA will match Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.

NEWS FROM THE AFRICAN CONFEDERATION: KENYA PREPARES FEMALE ROSTER

Nairobi, Kenya, July 13, 2011- Kenya Volleyball Federation “KVF” have named a 19-member team that is scheduled to start training in Nairobi in preparation for the Africa Nations Championship which will be played in Nairobi on August and September's All Africa Games in Maputo. 

KVF Sec Gen Evans Wasike released the names during Memorial tournament in Kisumu this week.

Notable inclusions are celebrated setter Janet Wanja who plays in Rwanda and Pipeline right attacker Lucy Chege

The selected players were:

Setters: Jane Wacu (Prisons), Janet Wanja (APR), Rose Magoi (Pipeline).

Liberos: Mildred Odwako (Pipeline), Judy Tarus, Elizabeth Nafula (Prisons).

Left attackers: Mercy Moim, Esther Mwombe, Everline Makuto (Prisons), Ednah Rotich (Ulinzi), Esther Wangeci (Pipeline).

Right attackers: Lydia Maiyo (Prisons), Lucy Chege (Pipeline).

Centres: Bracksides Agala, Diana Khisa (Prisons), Jacky Barasa (Ulinzi), Ruth Chepletich (Pipeline), Roselyne Odhiambo (Pipeline), Joan Chelagat (Prisons).

By Oscar Pilipili, Kenya Volleyball Federation press officer

PASSION FOR VOLLEYBALL MOURNS THE LOSS OF MR. CASTRO'S MOTHER

Mr. Juan Castro, President of the Peruvian Volleyball Federation.
Photo by Peru21.

LIMA, Peru.- The whole family of volleyball shares its condolences with Mr. Juan Castro Romero, President of Peruvian Volleyball Federation whose mother has passed away.

We who are part of a beautiful sport that magnifies and celebrates the spirit of humanity raise our prayers for the rest of a woman who has given us the opportunity to know a great human being and leader like Mr. Castro.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family, relatives and beloved ones.

Sincerely:

Passion For Volleyball.

July 2011.

MEXICO STARTS WITH THE RIGHT FOOT AT BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Mexico tries to adjust the blocking
game against the Trinidadians.

MEXICALI, Mexico.- Mexico won its fist match at the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup 3-0 against Trinidad & Tobago (25-19, 25-18, 25-11).

Brandon Legall scored 17 points (14 by spike and 13 on serve plays) for the Trinidadian team, while Sergio Perez finished with 15 tallies and Marco Antonio Rodriguez scored 13 for Mexico. 

“We had a very explosive start on the first set, but on the last one we lost momentum”, said Trinidad & Tobago’s captain Ryan Thomas.

“It was not an easy match. It was as we expected. We felt some anxiety and nerves but we knew we could make it and got confidence”, stated Mexico’s Jonathan Ponce.

“I’m proud of the boys, this is their first time playing at this level, and when you play your first match it is always difficult. They did it with heart and determination”, said David Camacho, head coach of Trinidad and Tobago.

For Oscar Licea, the team has started a long process. “I think we will go from minus to more every day, but we have make some adjustments specifically in our blocking game“, He remarked.

Trinidad & Tobago faces United States and Mexico has a bye date this Tuesday.

BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP IS OFFICIALY IN PROGRESS

Folk dances and a teams parade were part of the opening
ceremony at State Auditorium,

MEXICALI, Mexico, July 11 2011.- The First Boy U19 Pan Am Cup was officialy inaugurated after the opening ceremony took place at the State Auditorium in Mexicali.

Mayor Francisco Perez Tejada Padilla of Mexicali welcomed the fans on behalf of the city that once again has hosted an international volleyball event.

The traditional parade took place on the court with the teams of USA, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico.

The mexican folklor also was part of a colorful ceremony, thar marked the beginning of a one week celebration in a warm but friendly city that has been the site of Senior Pan Am Cups as well as the Womens' World Junior Championship in 2009.

The first two matches were played between Brazil and Costa Rica, with a 3-0 victory for the Amazonian team.

Meanwhile Mexico played its first match against Trinidad and Tobago. The times for matches are scheduled at 5:00 and 7:00 PST.

COACHES DECLARE THEIRSELVES READY FOR BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Coaches were presented prior to the tournament in
Mexicali, Mexico.

MEXICALI, Baja California (Norceca.org).— The First Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup starts this monday at the State Auditorium with participation of six countries.

The first match will be played at 5:00 PM local time, between Brazil and Costa Rica, while the Official Opening Ceremony will take place immediately. After the ceremony, México will face Trinidad & Tobago. This will be a free event to the public.

The host team, Mexico, will compete in Pool B, along with the United States of America, as well as Trinidad & Tobago. Brazil, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico are part of Pool “A”. Coaches of every competing team shared their expectations about this tournament.

Percy Oncken (Brazil): “The expectation of course is big for us, because it is a very important tournament and we understand that this competition is a preparation for the World Junior Championship that will be played in Argentina next August. We will see very strong teams and we hope Brazil can play very well”.

Oscar Licea (Mexico): “We want to have a change in our Boys’ youth teams. There have not been good results previously, but we are beginning a long preparation process with these kids, and we hope to have a good start in this tournament”.

Ramon Lawrence (Puerto Rico): “We have a very young team, in development, and this tournament will help us as a preparation for the World Championship in Argentina. We will try to be among the top three and we hope that during this competition our players can get confidence”.

David Camacho (Trinidad y Tobago): “This is my second time in the city of Mexicali, it is hot but so friendly. For us the preparation was not very long actually, however our main attention is to practice, get confidence, and we plan to enjoy this tournament”.

Henry Rodríguez (Costa Rica): “We bring a new team to gain experience in a tournament like this with important teams like Mexico, United States, Brazil or Puerto Rico. We have been training to have a united group. It will be difficult, but we will work to give our best on the court, even we win or lose”.

Ken Shibuya (United States of America): “Our USA team is ready and very excited to be in Mexico. We appreciate the federation to host us. This also will be a great preparation for the World Championship in Argentina. We are very excited to play Mexico in Mexicali, it is a wonderful environment.”

BRAZIL OPENS THE BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP WITH A VICTORY OVER COSTA RICA

Brasil inició con el pie derecho ante los ticos.

MEXICALI, Mexico.— Brazil defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-10) in the opening match of the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup.

Flavio Gualberto scored 12 points, and Wagner Silva 8, for the Brazilian team. Cesar Gomez registered 4 on the Costa Rican side.

“It was a very hard match for us, but we acquired experience against a taller team with a high level. It really helped us in our learning curve”, said Costa Rican captain, Andres Araya.

Brazilian captain Thiago Veloso stated: “it is always good to start with a victory and this was a great match”.

Same opinion was given by coach Percy Oncken, who however emphasized: “It is my first time facing Costa Rica, but is a 2 years a younger team than ours, that made a big difference but they are talented”.

The coach of Costa Rica, Henry Rodriguez, said that facing Brazil was a great challenge.

 “We knew it was going to be a tough match for us. We don’t have such a great height like Brazil’s but I told the boys play with courage”. Costa Rica faces Puerto Rico while Brazil has a bye date this Tuesday.

ARGENTINA QUALIFIES TO THE GRAND PRIX

The South American team won the last ticket available against Peru. CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico  (Norceca).- Argentina sealed  their ticket to the 2012 FIVB  World Grand Prix by defeating Peru In five sets  (19-25, 25-15, 24-26, 15-12)  at the 10th Pan American  Women’s Volleyball Cup. It was a thrilling and difficult  match  with a successful outcome  for Argentina.  There were long rallies that gave  excitement to the match as both  teams were after the last spot available for the South American region at the World Grand Prix. Peru will play for the seventh place. Georgina Pinedo led Argentina to the victory with 20 points, followed by Lucia Fresco  who scored 18.  For Peru, Angelica Aquino scored 19 points,  Yulissa Zamudio contributed 17 and  Mirtha Uribe 15.  Argentineans scored 6 aces and Peru 4. “Since last year we’ve been fighting to qualify for the Grand Prix, we have grown much  during the cup and now we can enjoy our victory,” Pinedo said. For Diana Soto the loss was bitter-sweet. “We almost had the win, but we lost key points.” Coach Horacio Bastit was very happy for Argentina.  “From my point of view, we were superior and clear winners, I am thrilled.” Luca Cristofani, Italian coach for Peru, expressed his disappointment with the referees,  as he pointed out that during his 25 years of career he was never expelled from a set. “I had to come to America to see such terrible mistakes and this wasn’t the first time during the tournament, as I have video proof of our match against Brazil with a bad rotation,  and it was the same referee.”

BRAZIL BECOMES THE NEW CHAMPION AT WOMEN'S SENIOR PAN AM CUP

The Olympic Champions defeated Dominican Republic
in straight sets (Norceca Photo).

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 9, 2011 (Norceca) – Olympic champions Brazil dethroned Dominican Republic as new queens of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by winning the decisive match in consecutive sets (25-20, 25-22, 25-19) in front of a packed house at Colegio de Bachilleres Gymnasium on Saturday.

It is the third gold medal for the Brazilians in the history of the event. They also won in 2006 and 2009. The Dominicans, who have finished among the top three in each of the 10 editions, took the silver for a fifth time.

Sheila Castro and Thaisa Menezes led Brazil with 13 points apiece while Fernanda Rodrigues contributed 12. Dominican Prisilla Rivera was the highest scorer with 19 points including 6 blocks. Bethania De la Cruz tallied 10.

“It was a good game where we served blocked very well,” Brazilian Fabiana Claudino said. “Now it is time to celebrate.”

“It was a difficult match as we expected,” Dominican Milagros Cabral said. “We didn’t play as well as we did in our previous games but we are happy with the second place.”

Jose Roberto Gimaraes, Brazilian coach. “I am glad with the results. The matches against Dominican Republic are always good as we play at the same level; we must continue in our preparation for the events that lie ahead of us.”

Marcos Kwiek, coach of Dominican Republic: “We played the whole tournament very well, but today Brazil had more consistency and pushed us hard with their blocks. Also we failed in key points. It is with pride that we take the silver medal.”

USA FINISHES WITH THE BRONZE MEDAL AT WOMEN'S SENIOR PAN AM CUP

American players celebrate the victory over Cuba.

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 9, 2011 (Norceca) – United States scored a convincing straight-set victory over Cuba (25-21, 25-16, 25-13) to claim the bronze medal of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup for second year in a row on Saturday.

Nancy Metcalf led three American players in double digits with 18 points. The veteran lefty was followed by Foluke Akinradewo and Jennifer Joyner-Tamas with 13 and 11 points respectively. Cuba’s Kenia Carcaces finished with 16 points.

The winners had the advantage in blocking (9-6) and service winners (4-1) with Joyner-Tamas recording four blocks.

Joyner-Tamas said: “We were really disappointed after yesterday’s loss and today we played well and together, so I am proud of my team and I congratulate Cuba for their amazing athletes.”

Coach Hugh McCutcheon praised his team performance. “I am pretty glad of Nancy Metcalf’s performance, she had some offensive momentums during the match; we have learned valuable lessons in this tournament and our main goal was our qualification to next year’s Grand Prix.”

“We didn’t have a good match today,” Cuban captain Yusidey Silie stated. “I feel sad because we were well prepared but we lost against more experienced teams than ours.”

Cuba’s coach, Juan Gala said he is satisfied with his team performance in the Cup. “We lost from the three best teams. We’ve already detected our faults and we need a better preparation.”