Lima, Peru, June 26, 2019 - Angela Leyva of Peru spoke about her team’s losing debut to Croatia at the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup in Lima, Peru on Wednesday.
Angela Leyva, Peru: "Croatia has players that compete in the European leagues and their game-level is really high. Personally speaking, this was not my best day and I can do more, added to the fact that we have not practiced very much together - but we know each other well and I know our game level will slowly improve. This was a good match for both sides, but they kept their momentum going. This is only the first match, our heads are up even if we lost and we have to keep on practicing, making our best effort, defending better and trying to overcome high-blocking teams like Croatia."
Samanta Fabris, captain of Croatia: "It was important for everyone on my team to start with a win despite it not being the best volleyball we can show. We had a lot of ups and downs, committing many unforced errors to improve on; our desire to win made the difference. Tomorrow we face the Czech Republic, a re-match of the Golden European League finals; hopefully the outcome will be different."
Head coach Daniele Santarelli of Croatia: "Our line-up changes were crucial in kicking off the event with a win. It was not easy to perform here at this Coliseum, full of noisy supporters, the players needed to concentrate really well. My team did not play the best match, which needs to improve for the next match, but it was important to start off winning."