Volleyball

Havana, Jul 18 (JIT) - The Cuban team won its third consecutive match at the Men's Pan American Volleyball Cup in Santo Domingo by overcoming Guatemala in three sets (25-11, 25-20, 25-20).

With most of the substitute players on the court, the Cubans imposed a better rhythm, a wide difference in attack (41-29), blocking (9-2) and in points by serves (4-0).

Individually, opposite José Carlos Romero stood out (20 points), 18 of them in attack.

He was followed by middle blockers Thiago Suarez (14) and Jakdiel Contreras (7).

Mario Izquierdo, Cuban coach, commented to the tournament website: “We gave the reserve team a game thinking about the match against the Dominicans this (Thursday), the most important match because it defines the first place in the group”.

The Cuban national team sweep Colombia in the previous match and defeated Peru in four sets. If they beat the Dominicans on Thursday night, they will advance directly to the semifinals.

In Group A, the United States (2-1), Canada (2-0), Chile and Mexico (both 1-1) are battling for a spot in the semifinals. Puerto Rico has not won in three outings.