• Submitted by: admin
• International
• Sports
• 08 / 08 / 2007

The Cuban womens volleyball team, fresh off a gold medal at the Pan American Games, has now won its first three matches in Tokyo in the Grand Prix by defeating the Dominican Republic, Kazakhstan and Japan.

After two straight set victories, the Cubans had to battle from behind to defeat the home team Japan, winning 3 sets to 2 (20-25, 25-18, 21-25, 25-20, 15-13) at the Ariake Gym before 9,700 people.

Daimi Ramirez led the team coached by Antonio Perdomo with 21 points.

Other offensive standouts for Cuba were Captain Yumilka Ruiz (18) and Kenia Carcaces (14), who played for Rosir Calderon in the last two sets. Passer Yanelis Santos and centers Nancy Carrillo and Zoila Barros completed the Cuban squad.

Carrillo is sixth on the scoring list of the Grand Prix with 42 points (32 attacking, 7 from blocks and 3 from serves). Tayyiba Haneef of the United States leads all scorers with 65 points.

Daimi Ramirez is the leader in successful attacks, while Kenia Carcaces is third and Nancy Carrillo fourth. Yanelis Santos is second in serves behind Brazils Sheila Castro.

In other womens volleyball Grand Prix action, in Poland, the Russians lead their group with a 2-1 record, tied with the United States, but with better points scored and allowed margin. Undefeated Brazil leads its group that includes Poland, Chinese Taipei and Italy, after two matches in Italy.

The Cuban team now travels to Russia where it will play on October 10 against the United States; on the 11th against Kazakhstan and the 12th against the home team.

Source: Granma