Cuba sweep Jamaica

Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica went down to a crushing 5-0 defeat to Cuba, in the final game of the three-match Pan American Games hockey qualification series, at the Mona AstroTurf in St Andrew yesterday.

Cuba swept the series 3-0, having already clinched the qualification spot after dismissing the Jamaicans 3-0 and 2-1, respectively, in the first two games.

Jamaica's coach, Dr Michelle Holt, said her team did not adapt to the wet conditions, caused by rainfall prior to the match.

"It's the second time we've played on the wet turf," said Dr. Holt. "Whenever we play on a wet turf Cuba look superior to us, but when we play on a dry surface we look much better."

Dr Holt also congratulated the Cubans and expressed the hope that they will represent the region well at the Pan American Games.

She added: "We will go back and rebuild. Our next competition is the Pan Am Challenge next year."

In yesterday's game, Jamaica quickly fell behind as the series' leading scorer, Marisbel Sierra Rosello, struck three minutes into the game.

The Cubans went 2-0 up when Rosello notched her second of the match and fourth of the series in the 39th minute.

Second half

The second half saw the Jamaicans pushing players forward, looking to make a match of it. However, Shakeeka Graham's blast at 55th minute was parried away by Cuba's goalie, Maribel Garca Sanchez.

Cuba however countered and scored three goals in four minutes to end any thoughts the Jamaicans had about making a comeback. Two of the three goals came from penalty corners.

The third goal was a beauty as Yaniuska Paso Flor collected a penalty pass and shot powerfully past Jamaica's goalie in the 61st minute. Kenia Alvarez Guerra (62nd) and Yuraima Vera Rojas (65th), scored Cuba's other goals.

Cuba's coach, Hilario Yera Diaz, was delighted with the outcome.

"I'm very happy with the outcome of the match. Our goal was to qualify for the Pan American Games and that was accomplished. Everything went according to plan. Now we go back to Cuba and start back training for the Pan American Games; we are likely to play a club from Argentina in February."