Tuesday, October 24, 2023.- The handball competition at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 started on Tuesday at the Gimansio Polideportivo in Viña del Mar. The Cuban female's team secured a 25-21 victory over Uruguay in the first match of Group B.

The Cubans, who had won bronze in Lima 2019, displayed their strength on Viña del Mar's soil, controlling the game from start to finish against the Uruguayan team, who, despite their efforts, couldn't do much to level the playing field.

The standout players for the Caribbean team were Rosa Leal and Nahomis Mustelier, both contributing with three goals each. Additionally, goalkeeper Niurkis Mora made eight saves, achieving a 50% save rate against Uruguayan shots

Odalys Escalona, a player on the Cuban team, stated after the victory, "The Uruguayan players were small and very fast. We had to work hard in defense to bring the game to our side. Everything went as planned, so I'm happy. We've already broken the ice, and for whatever comes next, we'll work with more confidence. The important thing was to add the win."

As for the South American team, Catalina Tournier and Sabrina Golda stood out, each scoring two goals for their team.

Tournier stated after the defeat, "In the first half, we didn't play the way we wanted, and in the second half, we came out differently. We managed it better. The match was intense, and there were many turnovers."

The second match in Group B will be contested between Brazil and Paraguay at 12:30 hours, while in Group A, Argentina will face Puerto Rico at 5:30 p.m., followed by Chile against Canada at 8:00 p.m.

It's important to note that handball at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 provides qualification spots for the Olympics Paris 2024.

Patricio Echagüe y Gonzalo Pérez; translated by Pía Barriga / Photosport
Photo: Manuel Lema / Santiago 2023 via Photosport