Cuba Loses VB 2nd Round Opener to Dutch

by Circles Robinson

HAVANA TIMES, Nov. 6 — The Netherlands women’s volleyball team had a surprisingly easy time in defeating Cuba three sets to one (25-12 22-25 25-12 25-20) in their first match of the second round of the World Championships being played in Japan.

Cuba made a whopping 26 errors and appeared to lack communication at times, reported the tournament website.  The Dutch had 15 aces to two for Cuba and also led in blocks 13-7.

Kenia Carcasces led the Cubans with 15 points and Rosanna Giel added 10.  The Dutch were led by Manon Flier and Maret Grothues who both had 17 points.

The Netherlands squad had previously only defeated Cuba twice in 15 matches.

On Sunday, the Cubans face the top seeded Brazilian team which won in straight sets on Saturday over Thailand.

Also on Saturday Germany was defeated by Italy 3-1 and the USA 3-0 won over the Czech Republic.

Six teams of each of the two pools will move on to the semifinals.

In Group F, Brazil and the USA are both undefeated with 4-0 records followed by The Netherlands, Germany and Italy tied at 2-2.  Cuba and the Czech Rep. are 1-3 and Thailand 0-4.

In Group E, Russia, which won on straight sets over Peru, is alone with a 4-0 record.  Japan 3-1, lost its first match on Saturday to China which is 1-3.  Poland, Turkey, Serbia and Korea all have 2-2 records after yesterdays play.  In last place is Peru with a 0-4 record.