Peru were at full strength with the return of Jessenia Uceda, who missed the first two matches due to sickness.

2011 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix
August 5-28

Both teams were looking for their first win.

Peru started aggressively to take a 6-3 lead before world No. 8 Cuba hit back with exceptional power-and-speed tactics to level at 6-6. With the Peruvians making unforced mistakes, the Caribbean girls carried on scoring and pulled four points ahead. With Cuba 23-21 up, Peru scored some vital points to catch up at 24-24. Alena Rojas executed a thundering spike to put Cuba in front 25-24 before a Peruvian player stepped on the foul line, handing Cuba the set.

In the second set, Cuba continued their fierce attacks to race out to a commanding 8-1 lead, thanks to the splendid offensive combination of Yoana Palacios’s sharp cross-court spikes and improved teamwork. Peru gradually pulled their game together, hoping to make amends for their erratic play, but they still proved no match against the Cubans. Leading 24-19, Cuba scored through Wilma Salas to take the set 25-19.

With their backs against the wall, Peru came all-out in the third set. Their determination paid off as they leveled at 11-11 and again at 15-15. Cuba matched the Peruvians and edged ahead 23-22 before wrapping up the set 25-22 and securing their first win in the 2011 World Grand Prix.