ATHENS, Greece, August 20, 2004.- Defending champions Cuba hit top gear as they ran past the Dominican Republic in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 25-23) to claim the second quarterfinal berth.

Having lost their opening match to Germany, Cuba needed to beat their Norceca neighbors to join China as the first two quarterfinalists from Pool B. The top four in each pool qualify for the next phase.

With that in mind, Cuba took charge of the game right from the opening whistle. Captain Yumilka Ruiz, Zoila Barros and Yaima Ortiz were in excellent form as Cuba had to hold off a brave opening stanza from the Dominican Republic. Their lethal attacking combination proved to the difference as the Cubans sneaked the first set by two points.

The second set was a much easier affair for Cuba. After the Sydney champs took the early lead the Dominican Republic weren't able to keep up and it took only 22 minutes for Cuba to wrap up the second set by a margin on eight points.

However, the tenacity of the Dominicans has to be applauded as they pushed Cuba all the way in the third set. Guided by Milagros Cabral y and Kenia Moreta the Dominican Republic tied the score at 23-23 before Cuba's experience came to the fore and with consecutive points they wrapped up the set, the match and their quarterfinal qualifying spot.

Ruiz (13 points) and Barros (12 points) were the top scorers for the winners, while Cabral and Moreta reached double figures with 13 and 11 points respectively for the Dominican Republic.