LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 10, 2022.- Chile outplayed Cuba 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 27-25) and will clash with the United States in the semifinals of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup in Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
With Chile’s victory over Cuba, United States and Mexico won the two berths for the 2023 FIVB World Championship as the top two NORCECA finalists of the event.
Chile will face the United States in one of the semifinals, while Argentina meets Mexico in the other semifinal. Cuba will play Puerto Rico for fifth place, a rematch of pool-play won by Cuba.
In the third set, the South American team missed two match points in a dramatic finish before celebrating their win in straight sets.
Chile had a spectacular night outplaying Cuba in serves 9-5 and committing fewer errors (15-24). Cuba led 45-40 in attacks and finished with a slim 6-5 margin in blocks.
Outside hitter Florencia Giglio topped Chile with 15 points on 14 kills and one ace, Dominga Aylwin followed with 14 points on 10 kills, one block and three aces, while opposite hitter Petra Schwartzman tallied 10 points on 7 kills, one block and two aces.
Opposite hitter Yalain De La Peña led Cuba with 15 points on 10 kills, 2 blocks and 3 aces, accompanied by setter Beatriz Lopez with 11 points on 10 kills and one block, and by Lisania Grafort with 10 points on 9 kills and one block.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach of Chile: “From the beginning I’ve been saying that I like my team, it’s a group of girls that work hard and today luckily things came out better. We are happy. Now we must prepare for what’s next”.
Rogelio Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba: “We met with an organized opponent in defense, they fought every single ball. On the contrary, we were erratic in blocking and defense, which caused us to lose the match to Chile. Our best pieces had a poor performance and provided little for our team’s success”.
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