CHARLESTON, West Virginia, USA (Sept. 5, 2023) – Cuba started slow but gained speed in a 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-15) win over Puerto Rico in a pool play match at the NORCECA Senior Men’s Continental Championship at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
It was the first match of the tournament for both teams.
Cuba led Puerto Rico in attacks (34-25), blocks (11-6) and aces (8-3). The teams were close in errors with Puerto Rico committing 22 scoring errors and Cuba committing 21.
Cuba outside hitter Miguel Ángel López led all scorers with 13 points on eight attacks, one block and a match-high four aces. Outside hitter Marlon Yant added 12 points on a match-high 10 attacks, one block and one ace.
Opposite Jamal Ellis led Puerto Rico with 11 points on nine attacks, one block and one ace.
Cuba middle blocker Roamy Alonso had five blocks and Puerto Rico outside hitter Klistan Lawrence had four.
Head Coach of Cuba, Jose Angel Cruz: “A first game is important to start with a victory. Puerto Rico is an opponent we already know; we have played several tournaments against them. The first victory is always important. It’s good to start any tournament with a win.”
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