Cuba's Rolando Cepeda and Luis Sosa teamed up to block Canada's Adam Simac
Havana, Cuba, June 21, 2015 – Cuba made a gallant effort to turn the tables against Canada as the home side succeeded 3-2 (17-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-19, 15-10) in Pool C of the FIVB Volleyball World League at the Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum on Saturday.
Rolando Cepeda unleashed his power with 25 points, including 19 kills, three blocks and three aces to lead the Cuban team to victory. Steven Marshall fired 17 points for Canada.
Canada were ahead 8-4 in the first technical timeout of the opening set, as their attackers started strongly from the flank. The Canadian defence can also be highly commended as they chased down every ball from the Cuban attackers – an effort that was rewarded with victory in the first set 25-17.
Canada once again showed that their defence is solid as John Gordon Perrin and Adam Simac teamed up to stop Cuban captain Rolando Cepeda on the attack. Canada led 22-19 in the latter part of the second set and responded better whenever Cuba would make a run. Canada inched their way for another set victory 25-20.
Cuba showed a different start in the third set, which allowed their attackers to go head-to-head with the Canadian defenders. Cuba succeeded in this attempt and took the lead 20-17. Canada tried to chase Cuba in the end game but the latter prevailed 25-23.
Cuba showed a stronger performance in the fourth set with a 25-17 win. Cuban captain Cepeda stepped on the gas pedal to force their way in the deciding set and put on a convincing 15-12 finish, giving the home fans something to cheer about as they finished their series with Canada on Week 6 with a 1-1 record.
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