Azeri volleyball team lost to Cuba

Despite some brilliant play in the third set, Azerbaijan, who succumbed to China in four sets on Friday, had to suffer their second straight defeat at the Ningbo leg, losing 25-18, 25-21, 28-26 to Cuba.

"We are very willing to play strong teams like Cuba, because such experiences can help us improve," said Azerbaijan coach Faig Garayev.

"We might meet Cuba again at this year's world championships. I hope we will have better performance next time," he added.

After Cuba taking two sets without much efforts, the third set witnessed a seesaw situation as the lead changed hands several time.

Azerbaijan jumped to a 4-1 lead before Cuba surged ahead at 6-5. Natalya Mammadova, the overall top scorer of the World Grand Prix qualifying round, provided much of the ammunition in an 11-5 run which steered the Azerbaijanis to regain their three-point cushion at 17-14.

As Azerbaijan looked set to pulling one set back, Cuba tightened their play after coach Feilipe Calderon called for a timeout when trailing at 20-18.

The Cubans scored three points in a row at 26-25 to seal the victory after Azerbaijan squadered two match points.

Cuba captain Yumilka Ruiz Luaces paid tributes to their opponents.

"For either of the sides, it's a beautiful game. Though Azerbaijan lost it, they are still a good team. They are a rising force in women's volleyball," said Luaces.

/Xinhua/