Cuba could still qualify for next week's Final Four tournament
Chiclayo, Peru, June 12, 2016 – Cuba's straight-set defeat of Algeria (25-13, 25-12, 25-20) in Chiclayo on Sunday prolongs their chances of advancing to the FIVB World Grand Prix Group 3 Final Four.
Cuba's quick victory keeps their Final Four hopes alive, but if Colombia win at least two sets in their Sunday clash against Kazakhstan, they will qualify for next weekend's tournament in Almaty at Cuba's expense.
In the first set Algeria were unable to post any kind of a threat for the strong Cuban side as they conceded the first 11 points of the match. Cuba controlled the play for the rest of the set winning it comfortably by 25 points to 13.
The second set was a repeat of the first with Cuba starting off well and taking a commanding 11-3 lead. Despite their best efforts, the Algerian players were no match for their opponents and their high number of unforced errors made any resistance impossible. Cuba took the second set 25-12.
Algeria were able to open the following set well, snatching the first two points. Cuba were quick to recover, however, as they took a two-point lead at the first technical time-out. Still, the third and final set was the closest one with Algeria's substitute setter Silya Magnana leading her team to a spirited fight. Putting up a good fight was all Algeria were capable of in the last set, however, as Cuba calmly controlled the situation finishing the set at 25-20. Heidy Margarita Rodriguez Lopez of Cuba was tonight's top scorer with 12 points, while on the other side of the net Dallal Merwa Achour put 9 points on the board.