Peru opens U23 Women’s Pan American Cup defeating Cuba

HERMOSILLO, Mexico, July 18, 2023.- Peru opened the U23 Women’s Pan American Cup defeating Cuba 3-1 (23-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-20) at the Sonora Arena in Hermosillo Mexico.

Peru led the first set with a five-point advantage, while Cuba earned their way to move on top on opposite Claudia Tarin serves. Peru battled to recover and earn their first win in Pool A.

The South Americans held a 50 to 46 advantage in points from attacks and a comfortable 11-7 margin in blocks. Cuba did better in points from serves 7 to 3. Peru scored 34 points from Cuban errors and handed out 26.

With impressive 27 points, opposite Maria Paula Rodriguez of Peru led all scorers on 23 kills and four blocks. Outside hitter Daniela Muñoz and team captain Alondra Alarcon contributed in the win with 11 and 10 points respectively.

On Cuba’s side, outside hitter and team captain Hhitney James led with 15 points (13 kills and two aces), joined by outside hitter Yalain De La Peña with 14 points (13 kills and one block) and opposite Claudia Tarin who finished with 12 points (10 kills and two aces).

On day two of the event, Peru faces defending champion Dominican Republic and Cuba plays against Canada.

Alondra Alarcon, captain of Peru: “We had difficulties in the first set because we were too anxious to start the competition. We were able to move forward in the next three sets. There are errors we need to work on and improve our game, but in practice we will get it right. We were able to get the win as a team, united and helping each other”.

Francisco Hervas, coach of Peru: “Our goal is to learn. The first match is always hard, it’s hard to get into rhythm. We kept the lead in every set and the first set got away. That is what we need to improve”.

Hhitney James, captain of Cuba: “We were aware that Peru isn’t an easy opponent, they are a disciplined team on the court, something we lack a bit of. We lost the match for bad decisions; in easy points we couldn’t get the point. The beginning isn’t easy, and we will battle harder the next matches”.

Wilfredo Robinson, coach of Cuba: “We recovered the set by scoring, but Peru did the same in the next ones. We recognize that Peru has an excellent defense and with our strong attacks we couldn’t break it. We failed in serves; we made their complex one easy by serving to the libero. And we had bad decisions in defense”.