TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, November 25, 2023.- Cuba will face Costa Rica for fifth place in the first edition of the NORCECA Girls’ U17 Championship after defeating Honduras in straight sets 25-16, 25-8 and 25-7 on Saturday in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
In pool-play, Cuba beat Costa Rica in dramatic five-sets after recovering from a two-set deficit, setting the stage for a rematch for the “Ticas”. Honduras will play against Nicaragua for seventh place, having already lost to Nicaragua in three sets in the preliminary round.
Cuba dominated Honduras with an overwhelming advantage in attacks (37-10) and aces (20-2), also leading in blocks (4-1). Honduras committed fewer unforced errors (14-18).
The top scorer of the game was Cuban Salet Castillo Valdes with 19 points on 10 kills, 3 blocks and impressive 6 aces. Middle blocker Lizt López also contributed to the win with 13 points, and team captain Yesica Brito with 11 points.
Honduras surprised Cuba at the start of the first set, reaching 13 points even, Cuba quickly recovered and dominated the match entirely.
“We gained momentum after being down in the first set, and in the end, we won as planned. We were dominant. We already faced Costa Rica, and what happened once won’t happen twice; we are going for the victory” said setter Naomis Rosabal.
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