The match to decide fifth and sixth place of the Pan American Games Women’s Competition was between Mexico and Cuba. Both teams played close for much of the first half. And keepers for both teams made saves to keep the match scoreless. Mexico took the lead in the 23^rd minute off their first penalty corner of the match off a drag flick by Captain NAVARRO HERNANDEZ. Cuba soon tied the match 1-1, however, off a field goal by Yuraima VERA ROJAS in the 28^th minute. Both teams continued to fight for possession. Cuba was awarded a penalty corner with less than one minute remaining in the first half and Marisbel SIERRA ROSELLO scored to give Cuba a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Both teams also came out fighting in the second half. NAVARRO HERNANDEZ again tied the match off a penalty corner in the 45^th minute. Again, keepers for both teams came up strong and made saves to keep the match tied. Cuba finally broke through however on a penalty corner in the 65^th minute. SIERRA ROSELLO’s goal gave Cuba the 3-2 lead. Cuba’s defense held strong and prevented Mexico from scorning again. Thus, the final score remained Cuba 3, Mexico 2. With the victory, Cuba earned fifth place; and Mexico finished in sixth place.

Match Quotes

Mexico’s Coach San Yusen ZULETA SANDOVAL

On the match…

It was a close game. We did not connect on our corners. And we were hoping for fifth place but we did not achieve that today.

On the future of this Mexico team…

We will hopefully go to an Olympic Qualifier. We will continue to improve and grow and grow like we have been. We are a young team with a great future. We will continue to work; nothing more.