Cuban women clobber Mexico v-ballers

The opening match showcased World Championship bound favourites Cuba literally destroying Mexico in three straight sets which sent their campaign off to an impressive start.

And in another match yesterday, the Dominican Republic women took care of Caribbean champions Barbados.

The Dominicans, like the Cubans, won their match in three straight sets by identical scores — 25-14, 25-12 25-12.

The Cubans, playing in their familiar white, red and blue tops flourished under pressure from the Mexicans as they tied up the first set 25-18.

The combination of captain Ruiz Yumilka, Nancy Carillo, Rosir Calderon, Zoila Barros and Kenia Carcaces were used to telling effect throughout the match maintaining her team’s dominance.

The Cubans who are the Olympic bronze medallists always looked like they were winning although the Mexicans snatched the lead early in the second set with a desperate drive.

Recent qualifiers for the World Championship, the Cubans held the ascendancy against Mexico through the ferocious spiking of Carcaces. They perfected the art of setting on the base line for Carcaces to slap with great strength into their opponents’ court.

Mexico though, were reluctant to lie down and die, and gave a fighting performance that enabled them to stay in contention.

After the match the Cuban captain Yumiika said the Mexican unit was a strong one that played well. She added that they are using the tournament to prepare for the World Championships.

She said all she wants now is for the team to continue playing like a unit.

Mexican skipper Celida Cordova said while her team missed two key players due to injuries, she felt that the Cubans were a strong team that deserved to win.