Casanova contributes 27 points to Cuban victory

Heidy Casanova recorded a tournament-high 27 points as Cuba stormed past Chile in straight sets 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-19) improving their record at 2-1 in Pool B of the XVI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by Movistar at Eduardo Dibós Coliseum of Lima on Monday. Chile is winless in three outings.

Casanova was the only Cuban player with double figures in the balanced offense of Cuba where Regla Gracia and Laura Suarez contributed 9 and 8 points, respectively. Catalina Melo was the best Chilean with 14 points.

Cuba dominated in attacks 53-26 and held the advantages in blocks and 6-3 in service winners.

Sulien Matienzo, Captain of Cuba: “We went out to battle for the points and now we have to play hard against Dominican Republic in our next match.”

Catalina Melo, Captain of Chile: “It was a very tough match, but we need to learn to play against teams like Cuba. I think we have been playing better and better.”

Wilfredo Robinson, Coach of Cuba: “We didn’t want to allow that many points to Chile, but they have grown with the competition. Our goal is to win at least one set or two against Dominican Republic.”

Eduardo Guillaume, Coach of Chile: “The attack of Cuba was very strong as usual, but today they were accurate also. It was very difficult for us to play.”