Belize lose to Cuba in three sets in opener of U21 Women NORCECA Pan Am Volleyball Cup

Photo Credit: Afecavol

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize fell to Cuba in their first game of the U21 Women’s NORCECA Pan American Volleyball Cup in straight sets 14-25, 12-25, 18-25 on Wednesday in Nogales, Mexico.

Cuba nearly doubled Belize in attacks 40-21, was dominant in blocks 10-4, and made 12 errors to Belize’s 21. However, Belize hammered 7 aces to Cuba’s 4.

After the game, Belize’s captain Fatima Ramirez, said the Belize team should improve in the next game.

“We expected Cuba to be bigger and more advanced, but we are in the same league,” Ramirez said.

“Because we have never played a continental championship before, this was completely new for the team, and I think we were too scared. Cuba was a beatable team, so we fell short in mentality. The next match we must come out believing we belong in this tournament”.

Cuba were led by opposite hitter Lisania Grafort with 18 points on 15 kills, one block and two aces. Outside hitter Claudia Tarin tallied 10 points on 9 kills and one ace.

Belize’s U21 Women National Volleyball Team (Photo Credit: Afecavol)

Belize’s top player was opposite hitter Nisaan Martinez who totalled 9 points on 5 kills, two blocks and two aces.

“We were all nervous, both the girls and the technical staff because it’s our first experience playing at Norceca,” Belize head coach José Fontes said.

“I am satisfied with the first match; we will grow as the championship develops; we are leaving this match knowing they can give more”.

Belize’s next game will be against Puerto Rico on Thursday while Cuba take on Mexico.

Cuban captain Hhitney James said that since five of their players play overseas, Wednesday’s game against Belize was their first time playing together.

“I believe it was a good match under the circumstances including the difficulties to come here,” James said.

“We will go on finding a better rhythm as the tournament advances”.

The United States beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-8, 25-13, 25-14) in Group A.

Belize’s game against Puerto Rico on Thursday starts at 2:00 pm

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

(Photo Credit: Afecavol)

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