Cuba out of finals of the 2016 FIVB Women's World Grand Prix

Colombians beat Kazakhs 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-19 and 25-12). Thus the winners totaled the qualifying stage with 12 units, figure higher than the one achieved by Cubans (10).

The undefeated squad of Peru (17 points) beat 3-1 (16-25, 25-21, 25-13 and 25-22) Croatia, which totaled 15 points, and along with Colombia and Kazakhstan (12) will attend the final.

The Cuban team got its aim when defeating Algeria 3-0 (25-13, 25-12 and 25-20), allowing the fewest possible points, achieving thus a better balance of for and against points in case of tie in the fourth seat with Colombians, squad they had beat 3-1 last week in Australia.

Cuba’s final balance on its way through this Grand Prix includes three wins and as many losses and according to its Captain and inside hitter, Sulian Matienzo, the team did not show its best shape and it was expected a more substantial contribution of the five players who were hired in the Czech Republic and in Peru.

This group included outside hitter Melissa Vargas who attended the event suffering from pains on her right shoulder and her best performance was achieved on Saturday against Peruvians, whom she scored 25 points.

Inside hitters Jennifer Alvarez and Regla Gracia were even replaced as regular players, Matienzo was effective only at times, while central blocker Daimara Lescay contributed especially effectively in blocking.

There were outstanding performances by other young players such as central blocker Heidy Casanova and outside hitter Heidy M. Rodriguez, who managed to outstandingly replace Vargas when injured, but other members of the Cuban side showed lack of experience and committed errors such as libero Emily Borrell in reception and specially the setter Yamila Hernandez, who showed lack of imagination when distributing the attack of her team.