Mexico City, Jul 15 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban national volleyball team on Friday secured its advance to the semifinal round in the preliminary phase of the NORCECA Pan-American Championship for men by defeating Puerto Rico 3-1.
The Cuban team won for the fourth time of the round without defeats (25-17, 23-25, 25-20 and 25-20), thus securing the first place in the group that guarantees them a place in the semifinals.
Cuban players Julio Cesar Cardenas (15 points, including 12 attacks, one block and two direct services), Javier Concepcion (11/8-3-0) and Jesus Herrera (11/9- 1-1) stood out.
The Cubans will close this round on Friday with a match against Mexico that does not compromise their leadership and could be an excellent opportunity to give prominence to the second-line players.
With first place secured, the Cuban team, led by coach Nicolas Vives, will play in the penultimate match against the team that finishes in fourth position.