Costa Rica claims first ever volleyball medal in CACSO Games

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, July 23, 2010 – Costa Rica claimed the bronze medal of women’s volleyball at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games with a 3-1 (25-17, 20-25, 25-16, 25-21) victory over Trinidad & Tobago on Friday.

The Costa Ricans, a team qualified to the 2010 FIVB World Championship in Japan, had Verania Willis as their top scorer with 16 points including two blocks. Mariela Quesada added 11 tallies and Angela Willis contributed three blocks among her 10 points. Trinidadian Kelly-Anne Billingy registered a match-high 17 points, Krystle Esdelle added 12 and Channon Thompson and Sinead Jack each compiled 11 points.

“This is like a dream coming true for true,” said Verania Willis. “Getting that bronze medal was our objective since we arrived here and after playing five sets against them in the pool play we knew it was going to be a battle. I hope this medal will help to promote volleyball in Costa Rica and get more support from our government.”

“We made many unforced errors and from the third set on Costa Rica played great volleyball with amazing defense,” Trinidad & Tobago’s coach Francisco Cruz said.