Cuba remains undefeated after five-set comeback versus USA

(BEIJING, July 11) -- Cuba matched Brazil's 3-0 record in the final round of the FIVB Grand Prix the hard way, coming back from two sets down to beat the USA 22-25, 17-25, 25-18, 25-21, 15-11 on July 11 in Yokohoma, Japan. The USA falls to 1-2.

The Cubans dug themselves into a hole in the first two sets by giving the USA 18 points on errors and provided no answer for the deadly serves of American Logan Tom. But improved defense in the third set got them back into the match and better serving put pressure on the USA reception.

Boosted by the scoring of Kenia Carcaces, who replaced Rosir Calderon in the second set and ended the match with 20 points, the Cubans took back momentum of the match with blistering attacks, eventually winning the tiebreak when Tom went long with the Cubans holding match-point.

"We are very happy to have won against a team as strong as the United States," said captain Yumilka Ruiz. "We did not play well in the first and second sets and could not play at our own pace. When Barros is on the court she always makes us stable."

The final round continues on Saturday with a showdown between undefeated teams Cuba and Brazil and between winless China and the hosts Japan. The USA's next match is against Italy.

The FIVB World Grand Prix 2008 concludes on Sunday, July 13.