Both sides improved their win-loss records to 2-0 following their success in Tuesday’s outings at Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum in Havana, a facility with 15,000 seats.
Puerto Rico and Cuba blanked Costa Rica and Chile in straight sets to set the stage for the clash between the top two teams in Pool B.
In Pool A - comprising teams qualified to the world championship - Mexico scored an upset-victory in four sets over the Dominican Republic while Colombia defeated Peru in four frames.
Colombia 3, Peru 1
Colombia defeated Peru (25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21) in the second round of Pool A. The most significant damage was produced by attackers Diana Arrechea Diana (22) and Mary Martinez (20), which helped Colombia prevail in the hotly contested game lasting almost two hours. Danna Escobar added 13 points. Peru’s Angela Leyva (15) and Izabot Bravo (11) were the only players with double digits.
Mexico 3, Dominican Republic 1
In Pool A, Mexico achieved an important victory over the Dominican Republic in four sets (19-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-15). The Dominicans dominated in the first set but failed in their serves at key moments. Mexican Alejandra Isiordia led with 27 points while Lisbeth Sainz and Patricia Valle contributed 16 and 11 respectively. Brayelin Martinez scored 20 and Pamela Soriano, 15for the Dominican Republic..
Puerto Rico 3, Costa Rica 0
Puerto Rico grabbed its second win in Pool B by easily defeating Costa Rica in straight sets (25-9, 25-5, 25-11). In the match that lasted just 61 minutes, Daly Santana and Pilar Victoria were the top scorers for the winners with 17 and 11 points respectively.
Cuba 3, Chile 0
Cuba beat Chile in consecutive frames (25-20, 25-20, 25-22) to triumph for a second time in Pool B. Despite their failures in their serves, the winners scored 10 aces and totalled eight blocks against the weaker Costa Rica. Cuban Sulian Matienzo was the top scorer with 16 points, supported by Yaremis Mendaro, who had 14. Catalina Melo was the best Costa Rican player with 11 points.
