CUBA mounted a superlative display to slam Jamaica 3-0 in the opener of their three-match series for the final spot in next year’s Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

After staving off a flood of attack in the first half, Jamaica cracked within a minute of the second half when Yuraima Vera Rojas put the Cubans ahead on 36 minutes.

The visitors, realising that that the Lady Hummingbirds were off balance, added their second goal two minutes later when the speedy and skilful Marisbel Sierra Rosello struck in the first of her pair.

Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games champions in 1998 and 2006, Cuba, who did not participate in this year’s edition, planted themselves in Jamaica’s third throughout the match. In fact, the Spanish-speaking visitors appeared as if they were the home team.

Rosello sealed the match for the Cubans in the 57th minute while Jamaica sought to get even a shot at goal.

Jamaica’s goalkeeper Lorie-Ann McIntosh, who saved at least six goals, was outstanding until the heavens opened in the second half and the Cubans flourished in the wet conditions.

The Hummingbirds’ technical director Dr Michelle Holt, in admitting that the visitors would have won the CAC Games this year had they participated, said: “We’re obviously very disappointed.

“We didn’t want to lose the first game, but Cuba… tactically, technically outplayed us in every single department. The defence stood up well initially, but the early goals in the second half set us back a long, long way.”

She noted that while Jamaica failed to absorb the early Cuban pressure, the team could have done better. Dr Holt added, however, that the local ladies would have to try and regain their confidence by tomorrow for Game Two, despite the difficulties.

That match will be played tomorrow, with Game Three set for Sunday. Match time is 4:00 pm.