HERMOSILLO, México, August 21, 2022.- Cuba won an exciting match to Canada 3-0 (25-16, 28-26, 25-23) in their Women’s Pan American Cup debut at the Sonora Arena of Hermosillo.
Cuba took the second set away from Canada recovering from a six-point deficit (18-24) with their serves, for a thrilling 28-26 finish.
Cuba controlled Canada with an 11-6 margin in blocks; both teams scored 34 points from attacks and 5 points from serves. Cuba committed fewer errors than Canada (20-28).
Opposite hitter Dezirett Madan led Cuba with 12 points on 9 kills and 3 aces, outside hitter Ailama Cese contributed with 10 points and middle blocker Laura Suarez scored 7 points on 5 kills and 2 blocks.
On Canada’s side, team captain, outside hitter Melissa Langegger topped with 12 points on 9 kills and 3 blocks, opposite hitter Sydney Grills also scored 12 points and middle blocker Allyssah Fitterer tallied 10 points on 6 kills, one block and 3 aces.
Cuba will face host Mexico on day two of the event, while Canada goes up against Colombia.
Dezirett Madan, máxima anotadora de Cuba: “At the start of the second set we were a bit relaxed, we failed in serves, but we were able to comeback. We worked well in blocking, spiking strong. Tomorrow we will work to obtain the victory and we hope to finish first place, qualify to the Central American and Caribbean Games, also have a favorable individual performance as well”.
Melissa, Langegger, captain of Canada: “We showed a lot of fight, we are a new team so in the first set we were figuring out how to play together and as the game went on, we showed who we are as a team, using that is our goal throughout the tournament. We’re a team that wants to thrive, we have to be smarter in our shots, getting our blocks solid and hopefully get a win tomorrow”.
Thomas Fernández Arteaga, head coach of Cuba: “Our team showed a lot of courage, we haven’t played in the last two years and there were jitters at the beginning. I am glad about the victory”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, head coach Canada: “Losing the second set was unfortunate, Cuba had a great serving run, they did a good job putting the pressure on us. We must improve our start, we were tight, be aggressive from the service line, but I’m proud of what we showed regardless of the result”.
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