MEXICALI, Baja California, June 2, 2008.- Costa Rica survived a scary first set and went on to defeat Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets 25-21, 25-15, 25-21 in the first match of Pool A on Monday.

Verania Willis and Karen Cope each had 10 points for Costa Rica while Angela Willis and Paola Ramirez added 9 apiece. Krystle Estelle topped all the scorers of the match with 15 tallies for Trinidad & Tobago.

The Trinidadians jumped to a 7-1 lead and were ahead 8-2 at the first pause. Then Costa Rica slowly but steady started to close the gap and took the lead 16-15 at the second pause.

“I think both teams are improving and have a lot of space to keep growing,” said Verania Willis. “We have good physical talent but both need more resources and more chances of playing.”

“Today we played better than yesterday and I feel more satisfied,” said Carleen Williams, the captain of Trinidad & Tobago. “Our team blocked better and was more alert.”