Panama wants to be in CA and Caribbean Games

Panama, December 23,2004,-The Panamanian Volleyball Federation wants its men’s team to take part in the Central American and Caribbean Games to be staged in Guatemala at the end of next year. Jose Remon, President of the Federation and also coach of the team, said his team earned the right to be included in the Panama’s delegation with their unbeaten triumph in the last Central American Cup in Honduras. “I think we must go because we are the champions since 2002,” said Remon. “As it is always, the Olympic Committee has problems with team sports due to financial reasons, but we have earned that right.” Remon also set another goal for his team and that is to qualify for the 2006 World Championship. They are in an eliminatory group with Canada and Cuba and two more teams from the Caribbean to be decided. Since their arrival to Panama, the team has visited with Mr. Juan Carlos Navarro, Major of Panama City, Mr. Ramon Cardoze, director of Sports National Institute, and La Estrella de Panama is reporting that a meeting with President of Panama Mr. Martin Torrijos also took place. Spanish

It was a matter of repetition for Panama

Panama, December 22,2004,-It was a matter of repetition for Panama during the XIII Men’s Volleyball Central American Cup in Honduras. Not only the country won the crown for second edition in a row but its star player Jose Cunningham validated his title as the Most Valuable Player of the regional competition. Cunningham led three Panamanian players in the All-Star Team as he was joined by libero Victor Herazo and blocker Donaldo Urena. Honduras, runner-up in the event, had two players in the ideal team with receiver Mario Palma and attacker Luis Salgado. Costa Rican Jeffry Calderon was the best server and Nicaraguan Lenin Ruiz the best setter. Cunningham is a 23 years-old player with excellent overall qualities. He started playing volleyball eight years ago and was instrumental in the sixth crown obtained by Panama in the history of the tournament. More Spanish

Panamanians will present President Torrijos with the trophy

PANAMA CITY. December 21,2004,- The Panamanian Men’s Volleyball National Team will present to the President of their country, Mr. Martin Torrijos, the champions’ trophy they obtained in the XIII Central American Cup disputed last week in Honduras. Javier Ortega, chief of the Panamanian delegation who last night arrived to Panama City, said they hope to meet with President Torrijos on this week “to present him the cup.”“We come back really proud with this cup that we dedicate to all the people of Panama,” said Ortega. The Panamanian Selection was received at the airport by a group of sports authorities led by Anibal Reluz, technical director of the Sports National Institute.Panama defeated Honduras 3-0 in a match between unbeaten teams to win its sixth crown in the history of the regional competition. More Spanish

Panama repeats as Central American Men’s champions

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 20,2004,- Panama successfully defended its crown as regional champions defeating Honduras with a categorical 3-0 triumph in the final contest between unbeaten teams of the XIII Central American Men’s Volleyball Cup. It is the sixth title for the Panamanians in the history of the event. They came to Honduras considered as top favorites to repeat and confirmed their superiority. Costa Rica has won four crowns, Honduras two and El Salvador one. Led by Jose cunningham, a solid player of 23 years-old and under the guidance of veteran coach Jose Remon, Panama made the difference with taller players, excellent blocking and a more strength in the attack. Remon, who at 71 is the dean of the coaches in the event, said they entered the tournament knowing Costa Rica and Honduras would be the toughest opponents. More Spanish

Panama looking to revalidate the title 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 18, 2004,- Panama took another step toward revalidating their regional title with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in the sixth day of action of the XIII Men’s Volleyball Central American Cup. The Panamanians dominated the first two sets by score of 25-14, 25-11 but Costa Rica improved the rest of the way winning the third set 25-20 before losing the match 27-25. Domingo Avila and Jose Cunningham led the attack of Panama with solid spikes and their coach Jose Remon was very satisfied with the way his side performed. “We beat a good team with high technique,” said Remon. “We won because we played a fastest game than Costa Rica. Now we are prepared for Honduras and to keep the title.”  Winners of five previous regional tournaments, the Panamanians arrive to the last match of the competition with similar unbeaten record (5-0) as host Honduras. More Spanish

Honduras still unbeaten after five outings 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 17, 2004,- Honduras cleared a major hurdle when defeated Costa Rica 3-1 for its fifth victory in the XIII Men’s Central American Volleyball Cup this Thursday. The Hondurans had to battle very hard to beat Costa Rica 25-21, 21-25, 26-24, 25-23 and now need to beat Panama on Saturday for the gold medal. It was the first loss for Costa Rica, considered as one of the favorites to win the competition between seven countries of the region. The match was played before a capacity crowd in the Gymnasium of the Tegucigalpa Olympic Village. Around two thousands spectators enjoyed the triumph under an atmosphere never experienced in the past. Honduras won the first set with a solid all-around game but the Costa Ricans came back strong in the second and took advantage of several service errors of the host team. More Spanish

Honduras and Panama won again 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 16, 2004,- Honduras defeated Guatemala in straight sets and is still unbeaten after four outings in the XIII Men’s Central American Cup. The host Hondurans enjoyed their best match in the competition and came out winners over the Guatemalans by score of 25-20, 25-23, 27-25.In the other action on Wednesday, Panama won for third consecutive day this time 3-2 over El Salvador and Nicaragua scored its first victory edging Belize also in five sets. Luis Salgado, who plays in Spain, was once again the star of the host Honduras. He and Felix Sabio were the leading scorers for the winning team. “It was a tough match because Guatemala is a very dynamic and fast team,” said Salgado. “This success is the result of a great team effort.”  More Spanish Pic: Honduras showed strong kills

Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama keep the winning streak 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 15,2004,- A third consecutive night of celebration for the host team.  The Central American Volleyball has been phenomenal for Honduras who last night enjoyed another victory this time off El Salvador. Backed by a partisan crowd that played drums and horns, the local boys were impressive as they maintained its unbeaten record in three outings. This time they did not have to go five sets to reach the triumph and won by score of 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21). In other matches of the third day of action, Costa Rica beat Guatemala 3-0 and Panama defeated Belize 3-1. The start of the match could not be better for the Hondurans who took an early lead at 10-5 with solid kills and excellent blocking. The crowd enjoyed when Marcial Diaz gave a lesson of spikes with powerful strength.  More Spanish Pic: Honduras defeated El Salvador before a capacity crowd

Costa Rica and Honduras jump to 2-0 records

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 14,2004,- Costa Rica recorded its second victory in a row during the XIII Men’s Central American Cup while defeating El Salvador 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-22).In the other matches of the second day, Honduras kept its unbeaten record with a 3-2 triumph over Belize and Panama debuted with a 3-1 success against Nicaragua. Despite the Costa Rican superiority, the Salvadorans pressed for moments but could not overcome their rivals and favorites to dispute the gold medal of the event. “The game was not easy,” said Juan Acuna, head coach of the Costa Rica team. “But our team looked better than on Sunday, more confident and more solid. We are in the right path.”Acuna said that with these two victories his players have the chance to get into the competition rhythm. More Spanish Pic: The crowds have supported the host Honduras

Honduras edged Nicaragua in a five-sets

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 13, 2004,- The Men’s Central American Tournament started on Sunday and could not be better for the Honduran host team. The locals defeated Nicaragua 3-2 and now are ready to take on Belize who lost to Costa Rica in their first match. The Central American is in terrific shape and the Gymnasium 2 of the Olympic Village was lights on with the volley. It was a big party and the fans enjoyed a great show. Honduras showed a great dose of character and won its game. The players elected to open the show were Felix Sabio, Luis Salgado, Conrado Fiallo, Jose Martínez, Alejandro Jeffs and Mario Palma along with libero Marcial Avila and the rest of the team. More Spanish

Costa Rica and Panama are favorites in Men’s Central American Cup    

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 11,2004,- Costa Rica go to the XIII Men’s Central American Cup looking to add to the title they took in the women’s regional tournament last month in Nicaragua when they finished with an unbeaten record. But the pretensions of the Costa Ricans, coached by Juan Acuna, have a major obstacle in the form of the Panama team who come here to defend the crown. These are the two more experienced teams in the seven-team competition that secure to the winner a ticket for the next Central American and Caribbean Games. Panama won the last edition of the Cup and went to participate in the Norceca Men’s Continental Tournament in Culiacan, Mexico where they finished in the sixth position defeating Guatemala. More Spanish Pic: Costa Ricans celebrates

Costa Rica is the regional queen of volleyball

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 29, 2004,- Costa Rica successfully defended the crown as volleyball zonal queen with a triumph in straight sets over Guatemala in the final match of the XIII Women’s Central America Cup. MVP Verania Willis led the Costa Ricans in the victory 25-23, 25-16, 25-23 for their tenth title –seven in a row- in the history of the event. In the match for the bronze medal, Nicaragua defeated Honduras 25-12, 23-25, 25-16, 25-18. It is the second MVP for Willis, who also earned the distinction in the 2002 edition also in Nicaragua and in the same court –Polideportivo Espana. “She was outstanding,” said the coach Braulio Godinez about Willis, one of two siblings in the team. “Verania has improved a lot since playing in the United States.”  More Spanish Pic: Costa Ricans celebrates after match point.

Guatemala came out as the big winner of the Cup

MANAGUA, Nicaragua.- Costa Rica November 29, 2004,-, as expected, won the gold medal in the XIII Central America Cup but the big winner of the event has to be Guatemala, who came to the competition without great pretensions. However, at the end of the five-country competition, the “Chapinas” came out with the silver medal and a historic triumph over Nicaragua in the latter’s soil.“Beating Nicaragua in their own country was very tough,” admitted David Aldana, the head coach of the Guatemalans. “In the senior level it is the very first time we accomplish that goal playing here.” With a younger and smaller team than the Nicaraguans, they achieved the victory in five sets. “The truth said, is that I am very satisfied with the job done by our girls in the whole tournament,” Saldana added. “I really think that with better support from our sports authorities and more exposure we even can aim for the Central America supremacy.” More Spanish

Costa Rica edged Nicaragua in three sets

MANAGUA, Nicaragua.November 27,2004- Just like two years ago and in the same stage, Costa Rica managed to handle Nicaragua a lesson in women volleyball before 2,000 spectators at Polideportivo Espana in the final day of preliminary round of the XIII Women’s Central America Cup. Last night the Costa Ricans prevailed in three sets over the Nicaraguans (25-23, 25-23, 25-22) securing a berth against Guatemala in the final match and sending the host team to the dispute of the bronze with Honduras The surprising loss against Guatemala in the preliminary round left the “Nicas” with the rope around the neck with the obligation to beat their south neighbors in three or four sets. More Spanish Pic: Nicaraguan Heidy Rostran against Costa Rica's wall.

Costa Rica advance to the gold medal match in Central America Cup

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 26,2004- Costa Rica moved to the final match of the XIII Women’s Central America Cup with a 3-1 victory over Guatemala. It was the third consecutive triumph without losses for the Costa Ricans who are looking for their tenth crown in the history of the event. Guatemala fell to a 2-1 record. The score was 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21. The tandem of attacker Verania Willis and setter Dionisia Thompson was the key for the victory that confirmed Costa Rica as favorite to retain the crown. In their first two matches, the Costa Ricans scored 3-0 victories over Honduras and El Salvador with the attack and defense of sisters Angela and Verania Willis. On Thursday they lost the second set when committed several errors and seemed out of control, but after that brief lapse they regained composure and established their superiority. More Spanish Pic: Verania Willis (crc)

Guatemala and Costa Rica with unbeaten records

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 25,2004,- Guatemala and Costa Rica kept their unbeaten record in the XIII Women´s Central America Cup while defeating Honduras and El Salvador respectively in the third round of action of the competition. Guatemala defeated Honduras 3-1 and Costa Rica had no problems to beat El Salvador in straight sets. These unbeaten squads face each other tonight with the winner automatically advancing to the final. The two teams with the best record in the five-country competition will play for the gold medal. Guatemala took easily the first set 25-13 but Honduras reacted vigorously to win the second 25-20 with the attacks of Catarine Leiva and Claudia Evir plus good defense at the net by Michele Delgado and Indira Inestrosa. More Spanish

Guatemala score a major upset over Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 24,2004, - Guatemala scored a major upset in the second day of the XIII Women’s Central American Cup while defeating host Nicaragua in a five-set thriller. The short Guatemalans relied in good all-around defence to get the triumph before a big crowd that was rooting for the local girls. The score was 25-18, 20-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12.In the other match of the evening Honduras defeated El Salvador in a match of two classic rivals in the region. The Hondurans won by score of 25-15, 25-22, 25-17. After two days of the competition, the standing is: Costa Rica (1-0), Guatemala (1-0), Nicaragua (1-1), Honduras (1-1) and El Salvador (0-2). Spanish

Costa Rica and Nicaragua started winning in the Central American Cup 

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 23, 2004,- The XIII Central America Women Cup started on Tuesday with two matches and the opening ceremony attended by the top political and sports authorities of Nicaragua. Costa Rica, winner of nine of the past twelve editions began the defense of the crown defeating Honduras in straight sets with scores of 25-21, 25-11 and 25-15. The Costa Ricans confirmed their condition as heavy favorites to repeat as champions. In the second match of the day, Nicaragua beat El Salvador also in straight sets showing they are strong prepared to dispute the gold medal now in their own soil. The score was 25-10, 25-21, 25-15. Spanish

Five teams look for supremacy in Central America 

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, November 18,2004,- The thirteenth edition of the Women’s Central America Tournament start on November 22 in Managua, Nicaragua with the participation of five teams from the region looking for the title and a berth for the 2005 NORCECA’s Championship in Trinidad & Tobago. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua are the participating sides and the event will serve as a teams’ thermometer for the qualification rounds for the 2006 World Championships in Japan. These rounds will take place in April-July of next year to define one or two representatives of the zone in the top world competition of FIVB. Each national federation has made great efforts and preparations for such important compromises, and has reunited veteran players of past national teams with the new generation. With that scenario we can foresee six days of close battles looking for the triumph. More Spanish

Russia blast past USA to claim bronze

ATHENS, Greece, August 29, 2004.- World number six Russia earned its ninth Men’s Olympic Volleyball medal in 10 trips to the Summer Games here Sunday by defeating the United States in three devastating sets for the bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Games. The score was 25-22, 27-25, 25-16. The United States was playing for its first medal since taking the bronze in the 1992 Barcelona Games as both teams entered the Olympic third-place match after losing semi-finals contests to Brazil and Italy. It was an impressive display from the Europeans as they blocked USA off the court, who looked to be lacking rhythm and cohesion, but fell short of their silver medal winning performance in Sydney four years ago. More Spanish

China dethrone Cuba and advance to the final  

ATHENS, Greece, August 27, 2004.-  After 12 years of dominance at the Olympic Games, it is time for a new queen to rise for women’s volleyball.  Cuba was  forced to abandon their throne and the dreams for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal after today’s defeat to world’s no. 1 China by 3-2 sets (25-22, 25-20, 17-25, 23-25, 15-10). The new queen will be crowned at the final match on Saturday. Once again China and Cuba lived up to the hype in a great semifinal, which took place at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Unfortunately, only one team was supposed to win and qualify to the final and at the end China was the more capable and lucky one to do so. More Spanish

United States crushed Cuba and moved to next round 

ATHENS, Greece 22 August, 2004.- The United States skip past Cuba in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-12, 25-19), at the Peace and Friendship Stadium to win a spot at the quarterfinals of the Womens Olympic Volleyball Tournament. The win was the only result that could offer the States a birth at the next stage, as they had higher ratio compared to Germany’s.The United States appeared more determined right from the first set. Guided by the incredible performance of Logan Tom, the United States took charge of the set and sailed to a 25-22 victory. Things proved to be even easier in the second set for the US team. They took the early lead thanks to efficient spiking by TOM and Heather BOWN and the final 25-12 came as no surprise.  More Spanish

USA Women in Must-Win Situation after Loss to Russia

ATHENS, Greece, August 20, 2004 – Following another disappointing five-set loss to Russia on Friday night, the USA women’s Olympic volleyball team finds itself facing the ultimate challenge come Sunday: it must defeat three-time defending Olympic gold medalist Cuba to advance out of pool play. Ekaterina Gamova scored a match-high 28 points and Lioubov Shashkova added 23 points as Russia rebounded from a 2-1 deficit after three sets to post a 3-2 victory over the United States at Peace and Friendship Stadium. Gamova had 22 kills, four blocks and two service aces in the 20-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 15-11 win that improved Russia’s record in Pool B to 3-1. It will play for first place in the pool on Sunday against China (3-1). Tayyiba Haneef scored 25 points and Logan Tom added 24 points for Team USA, which dropped to 1-3 in Pool B. It will do whatever it can beat Cuba (3-1), salvage fourth place in the pool and keep its medal dreams alive. More Spanish

Cuba secure second quarterfinal spot

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. More Spanish

Russian Block Too Much for USA Men

ATHENS, Greece August 19, 2004 – The USA men’s Olympic volleyball team ran into a Russian road block Thursday night. Russia used its considerable advantage in size to thwart multiple American attacks and the result was a 3-1 victory at Peace and Friendship Stadium in the final match of the day. Stanislav Dineykin scored a match-high 25 points on 20 kills, three blocks and two service aces as the Russians posted a 22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-23 victory to improve to 2-1 in Pool B in the tournament.Alexey Kuleshov was the biggest barrier for Russia as he added 18 points on a match-high nine blocks and nine kills. In fact, Kuleshov outblocked the entire USA team, 9-8. Overall, Russia registered 19 blocks on the night.

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Dominicans upset Americans, hurt U.S. medal hopes

ATHENS, Greece, August 18, 2004 -- Placed in a difficult pool, the United States appeared to have one easy foe on the preliminary schedule. Try telling that to the Dominican Republic. Milagros Cabral de la Cruz had the match-winning kill in the fifth set Wednesday and the Dominicans upset the Americans, 26-24, 22-25, 27-25, 23-25, 19-17. The U.S. dropped to 1-2 and must face sixth-ranked Russia on Friday and fifth-ranked Cuba on Sunday to close out the first round of the Olympic tournament. The top four in the six-team pool advance to the quarterfinals. Cabral had 21 points while Yudelkis Bautista added 20. Kenia Moreta had 19 and Annerys Vargas 11 for the Dominicans. ``We are all very happy,'' Dominican libero Evelyn Carrera said through a translator. ``We played very aggressively, and we showed the people a wonderful match. We fought each point. We had faith 'til the end. We do not feel inferior toward any other teams.''  More Spanish

Cuba and USA tied with 1-1 record 

ATHENS, Greece, August 16, 2004 – Sydney Olympic champions Cuba repeated their gold medal winning performance against Russia with a stirring 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 25-27, 25-19, 15-13) victory on day two of the women’s Volleyball competition at the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Monday. In what was a superb encounter of exhilarating quick play matched with dynamism and athleticism Cuba eventually claimed the victory to open their account in Pool B after suffering a shock loss to Germany on the opening day in five sets (20-25, 24-26, 25-22, 25-15, 17-15). Nancy Carrillo and Zoila Barros each had 25 points for Cuba. Yumilka Ruiz added 16 and Yaima Ortiz scored 13. USA is also 1-1 after beating Germany 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 22-25, 27-25) in another thrilling evening game. The Americans lost in their debut against China by score of 25-21, 23-25, 25-22, 25-18. More Spanish

USA and Cuba won the gold medals 

WINNIPEG, Canada. August 9, 2004- USA captured the gold medal in the NORCECA Women’s Junior Championship (Under 20 years-old) defeating the Dominican Republic in straight sets 25-23, 25-22, 25-16. With Cuba out the USA was undoubtedly the team to beat in this gold metal final. However, the Dominican Republic proved that they were going to be a worthy opponent, not one the USA should take lightly. Cynthia Barboza led USA with 11 points and Jordan Larson and Foluke Akinradewo added 10 and 9 respectively. Sidarka Nunez was the best Dominican with 14 and Dahiana Burgos had 9 points. Cuba won the gold medal in the men’s division (U-21) prevailing over USA in a battle of titans between these two big teams. The score was 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 25-20. More Spanish

Canadian hopes of gold tarnished by Dominican Republic.

WINNIPEG, Canada. August 8, 2004.  After their gritty win over Cuba two nights ago, Canada’s Junior Women’s National team had their work cut out for them, up against a very skilled team from the Dominican Republic… The opening Canada jumped out 3-1, but the Dominican would tie it up at 4-4 and move past the Canadians to lead 8-7 at the first technical time-out. The Dominican would increase their lead to 13-11 until Canada scored 5 ace serves to jump ahead 16-13 at the second technical time-out. Canada would continue to protect the three point advantage when at  19-16 the Dominican would score three unanswered points to tie it at 19 a Side forcing team Canada into a time-out. More

USA will meet Cuba for gold after win over Canada

WINNIPEG, Canada. August 8, 2004. It was a match that Canada’s only hope was to play spoiler. Already unable to make the gold medal match, all Canada could gain from the match was to spoil the Americans day. The USA was in a must win situation. A win  would put them up against Cuba for gold while a loss would mean a rematch against Canada for the bronze. A Canada-USA match up is always an  exciting and emotional game and these two teams did not disappoint. However, when the final whistle blew to end the match the USA had won 25-21, 25-17, 25-19. More

Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico move to semifinals in Women´s Junior

WINNIPEG, Canada. August 7, 2004.--  The Dominican Republic took little time to show Mexico they were here to win the first of two quarterfinal matches in the NORCECA Women’s Junior Championship. It would be over in three sets as the Dominicans defeated the Mexicans 25-17, 25-20, 25-19.The Dominican Republic now will face Canada in the semifinal phase this Saturday. Cindy Rondon was the best scorer for the Dominicans with 12 points, followed by Sidarka Nunez with 11 and Dahiana Burgos and Karla Echenique each with 7. Sandra Gonzalez was the top scorer for Mexico with 10 and Martha Revuelta added 9 points. More Spanish

Canada upset Cuba in Women´s Juniors 

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 6, 2004.-  Canada scored a major upset defeating Cuba in consecutive sets by score of 25-19, 25-17, 25-23 and advanced to the semifinal round of the Junior Women’s NORCECA Championships.The Canadians finished the preliminary round with 2-1, the same record of Cuba and Mexico, but had better set ratio (8-3) compared to 6-3 of Cuba and 6-5 of the Mexicans in Pool B. Canadian lefty Sarah Pavan scored 18 points, Melissa Bartlett  had 12 points and Tiffany Dodds and Marie-Pier Murray-Methot each added 7 points. For Cuba, Rachel Pérez Sanchez had 15 points, Kenya Carcasses cooperated with 13 points and Yisel Hierrezuelo Portuondo  had 8 points. More Spanish

USA Women Strong in Win Over Puerto Rico

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 5, 2004. The Americans recorded another win today as they took on Puerto Rico in their second match of the event. Scores of the match were 25-22, 21-25,25-12,Both teams took to the floor with a vengeance so by the first time-out, it was no surprise that the score was only 8-7 in the American’s favour. Puerto Rico managed to make some space for them selves taking a 10-8 lead, but it was soon gone as the USA tied it up at 11-11. From there it remained close with the USA up 16-15 at the second technical time-out. The USA added one to go up by two at 21-18 then scored three more off some Big blocks at the net to make it 24-19. Puerto Rico would not lie down and worked their way back to within two at 24-22, but in the end the USA finished the job to take the first set 25-22. More

Cuba Defeats Mexico to Remain Unbeaten

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 5, 2004. The Cuban men continued their winning ways today, the third day of competition at the Junior Men’s NORCECA Championships. The Cubans defeated the Mexicans 25-21, 25-11, 25-20. The first Mexico staying even with Cuba tied at 6-6, however, two quick points gave Cuba the 8-6 lead at the first technical time-out. Cuba furthered the gap going up 12-7 then 20-14 forcing Mexico into a time-out. The time-out had positive results as Mexico mounted an attack that would bring them within 2 of Cuba down 22-20. More

Cuba had an easy triumph over Canadian Men 

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 5, 2004.- Cuba had an easy win over Canada by score of 25-17, 25-16, 25-10 in the Junior Men’s NORCECA Continental Championships. The Cubans dominated every aspect of the game and confirmed its condition as a big favorite to win the gold medal. Michael Sanchez was the best scorer for Cuba with 20 points, followed by Osmany Juantorena with 12. Pedro Ortiz and Pedro Rodriguez each added 7 points. Jonathan Marcoux and Louis-Pierre Mainville had 5 apiece for Canada. In other men action of Wednesday, Team USA defeated Puerto Rico in four sets by score of 25-19, 23-25, 25-18, 25-17. More Spanish

Cuba and USA women got victories 

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 4, 2004.- Cuba’s women once again showed off their team’s depth of talent today as they easily defeated the young and inexperienced team from Trinidad & Tobago in three straight sets (25-14, 25-18, 25-4) to remain unbeaten in the NORCECA Junior Continental Championships. There were at times some glimmer of the developing talent of this young Trinidadian team, scoring points on a few blocks and ace serves, but with most of Cuba’s starting players watching from the sidelines, Trinidad & Tobago could still not compete with the pure power and skill of the Cuban players. More Spanish

Double victory for Canada playing at home 

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 4, 2004.- Canada’s Women had their debut match on home turf as they took on Trinidad & Tobago. The Canadians came out a little shaky but soon found their rhythm opening an 8-5 lead at the first technical time-out. Canada would increase the lead to 16-7 off the powerful serve of Ontario’s Sarah Pavan. The Canadian’s would not look back as they went on to a relatively easy 25-16 victory. Sets two and three were much like the first as Canada continued to dominate at the net. The Canadian’s had no mercy on Trinidad & Tobago winning 25-9 and 25-13 to close out the match. More Spanish
 

Women of Cuba and Dominican Republic take opening matches  

WINNIPEG, Canada, August 3, 2004.- Teams of Cuba and Dominican Republic had strong showings during its debut in the NORCECA´s Women Junior Continental Championship scoring victories over Mexico and Puerto Rico in straight sets. Cuba defeated Mexico 25-15, 25-20, 25-20 in the first match of the competition and Dominican Republic dominated Puerto Rico 25-23, 25-15, 25-22. The Dominicans come from a preparation tournament in Brazil where they faced the strong competition of China, Italy and the host Brazil and it showed on the court today.

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Brazilian class wraps up fourth Grand Prix crown
REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy. August  03, 2004, The power and agility shown by the Brazilians, who had previously won the World Grand Prix in 1994, 1996 and 1998, was incredible as they put on a display which will have them heading to the Olympics as one of the favourites for gold.  It was a brilliant performance from the world number three side with Virna Dias and Erika Coimbra inparticular lethal on attack and Valeska Menezes and libero Xavier Arlene polished on defence, making up for their seventh place finish in 2003. The stage was set for a terrific final with both teams being greeted to an electric atmosphere and the fantastic crowd were treated accordingly to a feast of the finest women's Volleyball can offer. More

USA beat Cuba for bronze
REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy. August 02, 2004, USA, the world number two, was too clinical for the young Cuban side, reversing their 3-2 defeat suffered at the hands of the Cubans in the opening round of the Preliminary Round. Cuba, who finished 11th last year, weren't at their best but having already achieved their best result at the World Grand Prix since 2001, where they finished fourth, playing this match was already a remarkable achievement. USA got off to a great start to lead 7-4 before Cuba fought back with three straight points to tie the set up. From that moment the lead see-sawed as both sides struggled to settle into any sort of rhythm. Cuba inparticular struggled to complete their attacks, with many spikes going long. It wasn't long before US coach Toshiaki Yoshida called on super sub Lindsey Berg to serve for the set, which she did with style, hard and fast into the far right corner. More

Junior NORCECA Championship Schedule Confirmed for Next Week

Winnipeg, July 31, 2004 ­ The Team Canada Volleyball Centre is pleased to announce that next weeks competition schedule is now confirmed for the Junior Men’s and Women’s NORCECA Continental Championships, taking place August 3rd ­ 8th in Winnipeg.  The prestigious continental tournament which will feature twelve teams from seven countries, will be taking place at the University of Manitoba¹s Investors Group Athletic Centre. Confirmed Teams for the Men’s side of the tournament (19 and under) include Canada, USA, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico. More  

Cuba avenged loss to Brazil in Preliminary Round 

REGGIO CALABRIA, Italy. July 29, 2004- Cuba reversed their earlier defeat to previously unbeaten Brazil in the Preliminary Round with a sensational come-from-behind victory in the opening match of the World Grand Prix Final Round. The score was 20-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 15-12. In the other match yesterday, China beat Italy 25-20, 25-23, 24-26, 25-20. Yumilka Ruiz led all the scorers with 26 points and was joined in the Cuban offense by Zoila Barros, Dami Ramirez and Yaima Ortiz with 13, 12 and 11 points respectively. For Brazil, Erika Coimbra, Marianne Steinbrecher and Fabiana Claudino wach had 17 points. More Spanish

Americans Tom and Sykora and Cubans Ruiz and Barros led the Grand Prix 

HEFEI, China. July 25, 2004- Players from NORCECA Confederation dominated all four of the seven statistics categories during the Preliminary Rounds of the 2004 World Grand Prix celebrated in Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Phillipines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, Korea and Germany. Americans Logan Tom (scorer) and Stacy Sykora (receivers) and Cubans Yumilka Ruiz (spiker) and Zoila Barros (server) won the honors. Cuba and USA qualified second and third respectively in Pool B for the final round scheduled for this week in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Tom scored 158 points and was followed by Ruiz (6) with 140, American Tayyiba Haneef (7) with 124 and Cuban Barros (8) who totaled 121. More Spanish

Poland defeats Dominican Republic and Brazil dominated Cuba 

HEFEI, China.July 24, 2004- Poland came from one set down and avoided a fifth set erasing a three-point deficit while defeating Dominican Republic 3-1 in the final match for both teams in the 2004 World Grand Prix. The offensive by the tandem of Malgorzata Nyemczyk and Aleksandra Przybysz was the key for the Poland success by score of 21-25, 25-20, 25-22 and 25-22. The blocking and spikes of Annerys Vargas and a late charge by Milagros Cabral were the main weapons of the Dominicans in the first set. In the second set with Poland in the lead 21-19, Katarzyna Skowronska scored three consecutive points with a spike followed by two aces. An exchange of mistakes closed it. Both teams battled in the third set and the score was tied at 18-18 when Poland imposed a superb blocking led by Nyemczyk and Maria Liktoras. More Spanish

Centoni carried Italy over Dominican Republic in a four-set battle 

HEFEI, China.July 23, 2004- Nadia Centoni combined accuracy and power to carry World Champion Italy to a very hard fought triumph over Dominican Republic 3-1 in the Chinese phase of the 2004 World Grand Prix, the top women competition of the FIVB. The Italians, host of the final round of this year event, defeated the Dominicans by score of 25-20, 23-25, 29-27, 25-19 with Centoni scoring 32 points, the highest total for a player in the tournament. The stellar 23 years-old Centoni was fundamental in the outcome of the first set when she had 8 of her points supplying potent attacks. More Spanish

Preliminary Rounds of WGP end this weekend

HEFEI, China.July 21, 2004- The preliminary rounds of the 2004 World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s competition of volleyball, will be completed this weekend when the 12 participating countries meet in China, Korea and Germany. Two teams of the NORCECA Confederation, Cuba and USA are already qualified for the final phase to be staged in Italy next week.  Cuba is in second place behind Brazil with the same record (6-0) but with the Cubans trailing the Brazilians in sets ratio, 18-2 for the South Americans and 18-6 for the Caribbeans. USA is in a solid fourth place with a 4-2 record behind China, the WGP defending champion who has a 5-1 record. China meet the Dominican Republic this Thursday as host team in Hefei, while Cuba play against host Korea in Jeju City. More Spanish

Tom, Ruiz and Barros lead offensive categories in WGP 

HEFEI, China. July 20, 2004- American Logan Tom and Cubans Yumilka Ruiz and Zoila Barros are leading the overall offensive stats after the completion of two thirds of the preliminary rounds of the 2004 World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s competition of the FIVB. Tom is the top scorer with 110 points, Ruiz is placed as the best spiker with a 60.14 percentage of success and Barros is the best server with an average of  0.67 per set. Barros is behind Tom among the top scorers with 100 points and Ruiz is in fifth place with 94.Cubans teammates Yaima Ortiz and Barros are third and fourth as spikers with 49.15 and 48.85 respectively while Tom is in ninth with 44.61.The versatile Barros is the second best blocker of the twelve-countries competition with an average of 0.83 per set behind Russian Natalia Vdovina who has a 0.96 average. American Heather Bown is in the fifth slot with 0.67. More Spanish

USA qualified for the U-18 Girls World Championship

CATAÑO, Puerto Rico.July 19, 2004- United States qualified to the 2005 U-18 Girls’ World Championship after a one-sided victory in three sets over host Puerto Rico. The sets ended with score of 25-12, 25-22, 25-15. The International Volleyball Federation will announce soon the site of the next year world competition for this age level. USA had a spectacular and dominant blocking all the match played before 1,500 fans in the Cosme Beitia Salamo Coliseum.Once again, the Americans had a great performance from Megan Hodge, who scored 14 points. She was elected the Most Valuable Player and the best spiker of the tournament. More Spanish

Dominican Republic finally savored the victory 

MANILA, Philippines.July 18, 2004-  The Dominican Republic finally savored the taste of the victory in the 2004 World Grand Prix while defeating Poland, the European champions, 3-1 with the sets finishing 25-13, 28-26, 18-25, 25-20. The Dominicans, who are participating for the first time in the premier annual women’s competition of the FIVB, had a balanced offensive led by Annerys Vargas and Milagros Cabral with 16 points apiece, followed by Kenia Moreta with 14, Cosiris Rodriguez with 13 and Yudelkis Bautista scoring 10. Moreta’s numbers included 4 blocks and 3 aces and Vargas scored 3 blocks and had 3 aces. More Spanish

Brazil still perfect after crushing Dominican Republic 

MANILA, Philippines. July 17, 2004-  Brazil continued to maintain a perfect record in this year World Grand Prix while dominating the Dominican Republic in consecutive sets by score of 25-16, 25-17, 25-19. The Brazilians have a 4-0 record and the Dominicans fell to 0-4. “The key was our good serve and blocking,” said Jose Guimaraes, the Brazilian coach, “I would say that our defense carried us. Also the Dominicans did not play close to our first match in last weekend.”  Fabiana Claudino led Brazil with 11 points as Guimaraes rotated its bench. In the third set Welissa Gonzaga (Sassa) had six points. Milagros Cabral and Kenia Moreta had 11 and 10 respectively for the Dominicans, who had a lot of problems with their reception. In Hong Kong, USA improved to a 3-1 record winning a five-set battle with Italy by score of  25-20, 17-25, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15. More Spanish

Cuba still unbeaten in the Grand Prix 

MANILA, Philippines.July 17, 2004- Cuba maintained its unbeaten record at 5-0 after defeating Russia in five sets with the superb attack of Yumilka Ruiz. The score was 22-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, 15-10. The Cubans are in second place overall behind Brazil, both with the same won-loss record but the Brazilians ahead in sets ratio.The other two Norceca’s team in the World Grand Prix, USA and Dominican Republic lost in yesterday’s action. Korea whipped the Dominican Republic in the second phase of the World Grand Prix winning in consecutive sets by score of 25-19, 25-17, 25-14. More Spanish

Mexico erased a deficit to beat Puerto Rico

CATAÑO, Puerto Rico.July 16, 2004- Mexico showed an enormous recovery power edging Puerto Rico in a five-setter between these two classical rivals of the U-18 Girls category in the NORCECA Continental Championship. The score was 25-15, 21-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-11 and the match lasted 1 hour and 50 minutes before a crowd close to 1,000. The Mexicans played like a dream team in the first set with the offense of Pamela Cheu and captain Sandra Gonzalez, but in the second the blocking of Ana Rosa Luna and the attack of Emily Calderon and Yarimar Rosa evened the scoreboard.The third set was dominated by the host Puerto Ricans from start to finish, but the Mexicans reacted and also took advantage of several unforced errors to take the fourth and tie the match at 2-all. More Spanish

Puerto Rico with powerful start in U-18; USA wins 

CATAÑO, Puerto Rico.July 16, 2004- The host team Puerto Rico had a powerful start in the Girls U-18 Norceca Contintenal Championship crushing Guatemala, the Central American champion in straight sets during the second match of the Opening Day. Previously, United States beat Mexico also 3-0. The Puerto Ricans had a strong offense from stellar spiker Yarimar Rosa and dominated without problems by score of 25-12, 25-14, 25-16. Roselly Perez, the captain and setter of Puerto Rico, left halfway the first set (15-12) with a left ankle injury and was replaced Michelle Nogueras. Since then, the host team had a 10-0 rally to close the set.“The girls really focused in their game and everyone contributed. It is an important victory as all that we have to look for to be in the Sunday finale,” said coach Juan Carlos Nunez. More Spanish

What the coaches said in the Press Conference of Manila 

MANILA, Philippines.July 13, 2004- Here is what the coaches had to say before the start of the second weekend of the 2004 World Grand Prix in Manila: Carlos Bizzochi, assistant coach of Brazil: “Obviously we want to win but the opposition is very tough and we have played very closed matches against the teams here. Poland plays one volleyball of pure power, Korea is recognized by its speed game and Dominican Republic plays a lot like Cuban style, a mix of power and speed. We have to wait until Szunday to know who wins here.”  More Spanish

The blocking of Germany was too much for Dominican Republic 

MIAO LI, Taiwan.July 11, 2004-  Germany grabbed its first win against two losses in this year World Grand Prix while defeating the Dominican Republic in consecutive sets by score of 25-21, 25-18, 25-20 in the Miao Li County Dome.  In the first set, the Germans took advantage of the continuous mistakes of the Dominican defense, and two rallies of five consecutive points were the difference –the first one after a tie at 8-8. The strong blocking of the tall Germans was the key during the second set when they got seven of their points stopping the Dominicans at the net. Both teams played evenly most of the third set where the scoreboard was tied seven times –the last at 16- but with Germany always taking the lead in the next play. More Spanish

China had to battle for victory over Dominicans

MIAO LI, Taiwan. July 10, 2004 - Defending champions China captured their second triumph in the opening phase of the World Grand Prix but had to fight very hard against the Dominican Republic to prevail during a thrilling second set. The queens of the World Cup and the Grand Prix defeated their Caribbean opponent in straight sets by score of 25-20, 26-24, 25-18 before 3,000 fans in the Miao Li County Dome. Hao Fang led the Chinese attack with 14 points but Yanan Liu was key in the victory with 11 points and 10 spikes out of 12 attempts. Middle blocker Annerys Vargas was the best scorer for the Dominicans, who are 0-2, with 12 points. Milagros Cabral and Cosiris Rodriguez had 8 and 7 respectively. More Spanish

USA start the Grand Prix in good fashion

BANGKOK, Thailand.- Heather Bown scored a match-high 13 points to lead three players in double-figures in the 28-26, 25-13, 25-22 victory for Team USA over Korea starting the World Grand Prix. "The first match of any tournament is a tough one to get through," said Bown, who had nine kills, four blocks and a hitting percentage of .500. "Some adjustments were made on our side to pull out game one. After that we seemed to find our rhythm for the remainder of the match." Keba Phipps  and Danielle Scott added 12 points apiece as the United States improved to 11-7 overall this season. More Spanish

Brazil sweeps Dominican Republic 

MIAO LI, Taiwan. July 09, 2004 -  Brazil defeated Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 25-16) in the first match of the Chinese Taipei phase of the 2004 World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s competition of FIVB. Both teams played leveled for most of the first two sets, but the Brazilian experience combined with several setting and reception mistakes by the Dominicans gave the edge to the South Americans. The third set was a rose garden for Brazil. The best battle was in the second when the score tied at 16 with a spike by Dominican Kenia Moreta. But a service error by Priscila Rivera and errant killing by Milagros Cabral gave a two-point lead to Brazil. More Spanish

Everything is ready for Girls U-18

CATAÑO, Puerto Rico, July 08, 2004. All the details related to the celebration of Norceca Girls U-18 Tournament in this town were revealed during a press conference at the Government House. Also it was informed about the team that will represent Puerto Rico in that event. The revamped Cosme Beitia Salamo Coliseum will be the venue for the competition starting on July 14 with one ticket available for the World Championship of the category in the 2005 Summer in Germany.Besides Puerto Rico, teams from USA, Mexico and Guatemala are entering the tournament with some of the future stars displaying their abilities. By tradition this category always present five to six teams but squads from Cuba and Dominican Republic could not participate due to problems with entry visa to USA territory.More Spanish

Dominicans to debut in the Grand Prix 

July 08, 2004, The Dominican Republic Women’s National Team, currently placed fourteenth in the World Rankings of FIVB, will make its debut in this year World Grand Prix, the annual elite competition of the best teams on the planet. This is a squad in a transition process with two new players –setter Juana Gonzalez and outside attacker Kenia Moreta- in the staring six.The Dominicans won the bronze medal during the Pan American Cup while defeating Brazil in five sets after erasing a 0-2 deficit.Last year, they won the gold medal in the Pan American Games in Santo Domingo defeating Cuba in the final match and took part in the World Cup in Japan where they scored a victory over Poland, the European champions.More Spanish

Coaches rate China as the top team 

MIAOLI, Taiwan. July 08, 2004- China is the favorite to repeat as champions of the World Grand Prix and is also considered as having the inside track to take the gold medal in the next Olympic Games. That was the unanimous opinion of the coaches from Brazil, Germany and the Dominican Republic, rivals of the Chinese women team in the Chinese Taipei phase of the premier annual event of the FIVB. But being rated as the world’s top team of the moment does not make coach Nhonge Chen feel as he is managing the main force in women’s volleyball.“There are many teams of quality,” said Chen during the coaches’ press conference at the Lily Plaza Hotel. “I have to consider Brazil, Italy, USA and Cuba as teams of very high level.” More Spanish

Cuba is the new champion of the Pan American Cup 

June 27, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Cuba won the gold medal in the Women´s Volleyball Pan American Cup defeating USA 3 sets to 1 before a packed house in the Auditorio del Estado. Yaima Ortiz and Yumilka Ruiz displayed a festival of fireworks in leading Cuba to the victory by score was 24-26, 25-19, 25-20, 25-17. Ortiz scored 16 points and Ruiz followed with 14 leading four players in double figures. Dulce Tellez and Zoila Barros cooperated with 12 and 10. Nancy Metcalf had 17 and Cynthia Barboza 10 for USA. “It was a great match and USA is a great team,” said Luis Calderon, the Cuban coach. “We could stabilize after the first set and our blocking improved.” Kevin Hambly, the American coach, said: “Cuba is a great team and they played fantastic. We came better prepared than the first round but could not maintain the high level for a long period.” Cuba led by two points (20-18) in the first set, when the Americans tied with spikes of Metcalf and Thomas. More Spanish

Dominican Republic took de bronze in a thriller 

June 27, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- The Dominican Republic recovered from a two set deficit and won the bronze medal of the Women’s Pan American Cup edging Brazil in a suspense thriller.The inspirational job by veteran setter Francia Jackson keyed the Dominican comeback capped in the tiebreaker by the offense of also veteran Cosiris Rodriguez. The score was 26-28, 20-25, 25-19, 25-25, 15-13. With the score tied at 13 in the fifth set, Rodriguez shot a cannon ball for match point and the action finished with a Brazilian reception error. Rodriguez had 23 points, Kenia Moreta and Annerys  Vargas followed with 16 and 15 respectively, Milagros Cabral had 14 and Prisilla Rivera 10.For Brazil, Veronica Brito scored 16, Regiane Bidias and Thaisa Menezes 11 apiece and Fernanda Rodrigues had 10. More Spanish

Zoila Barros elected as the MVP of the Pan American Cup 

June 27, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Cuban Zoila Barros was elected the Most Valuable Player of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup won by Cuba this Saturday. Barros was also the best server of the event and her teammate Yaima Ortiz was the choice as best attacker. Americans Liz Bachman and Lindsey Berg were selected the best blocker and setter respectively and Dominican Cosiris Rodriguez was the best receiver. Evelyn Carrera also from the Dominican Republic was the best digger and libero. Spanish

USA will meet Cuba for the gold medal 

June 26, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- USA will meet Cuba in the match for the gold medal of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup after beating the Dominican Republic in their semifinal game by score of 25-16, 26-28, 25-18, 25-21.The Americans dominated the first set mainly with their solid blocking and the attacking of Nancy Metcalf. In the second, the Dominicans were behind 25-26 but Priscila Rivera had one killing followed by a block for set point and Juana Gonzalez blocked for the set.In the third, the Dominicans led 14-13 when USA reacted with a rally by Elisha Thomas, Metcalf and Ogonna Nnamani and starting from there cruised to the triumph. The Americans dominated the fourth set and held off a late Dominican reaction. Metcalf led all the scorers with 23 points and Nnamani followed with 19 while Thomas added 15. For the Dominicans, Kenia Moreta had 15, Milagros Cabral 12 and Rivera 11. Kevin Hambly, the USA coach said: “We were very lucky coming out of the match with a victory. The Dominicans are very dangerous, very athletic and very physical. We were very fortunate.” More Spanish

Cuba had a party time against Brazil 

June 26, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Cuba had a party time this Friday in the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup scoring an overwhelming victory over Brazil in consecutive sets and advancing to the gold medal match. The score was 25-12, 25-11, 25-10. The three-time Olympic champions established its powerful attack since the beginning with Yaima Ortiz providing the spark against a nervous young Brazilian side. The second set took the same path this time with the sterling overall performance of veteran Zoila Barros. With teams tied at 6-all in the third, Barros scored three consecutive points to start a rally and the Cubans never looked back.Barros led the balanced Cuban offense with 18 points. Dulce Tellez and Daimi Ramirez had 9 apiece, Liana Mesa scored 8 and Ortiz 7. For Brazil Regiane Bidias and Adenizia Silva each had 7 points. More Spanish

Canada cruised to fifth place

June 26, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Canada beat Puerto Rico 25-16, 25-19, 25-19 and finished in fifth place in the Women’s Pan American Cup. The Canadians controlled the match most of the time with good defense and blocking but above all with more intensity on the court. The Puerto Ricans lacked the fighting spirit they exhibited in previous matches. Emely Cordonier had 19 points for Canada, Bard Bellini scored 10 and Lies Verhoeff and Melisa Raymond had 8 apiece. For Puerto Rico Karina Ocasio and Alexandra Oquendo each scored 10 points. “I feel very happy with the result. My team made the final effort and came out the winner,”said Lorne Sawula, the Canadian coach. “I know Puerto Rico has a lot of injuries and they can play better than they did today.” Carlos Nunez, the coach of Puerto Rico, said: “I am disappointed with the way the team performed today. They did not come with the right attitude. They need to change that in order to be successful in this kind of competition.” Spanish

Brazil is in the final four round

June 25, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Brazil advanced to the final four round in the Women’s Pan American Cup with a victory over Canada 3-1 on Thursday. The score was 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-13.Veronica Brito was the star of Brazil with 25 points that included 21 spikes. Regiane Bidias had 17, Adenizia Silva scored 11 and Fernanda Rodrigues 9. For Canada Bard Bellini and Melissa Raymond had 12 apiece. Brazil will meet Cuba and USA will face Dominican Republic in the semifinals. All these teams qualified for next year World Grand Prix “I am very happy with the way we played today,” said Antonio Rizola, the Brazilian coach. “We served and blocked very well during the last three sets. My first goal was to qualify for the Grand Prix and then to be in the final four,” added Rizola. “Now I want to play against Cuba. If they don’t take us seriously we have a chance. But Cuba always plays very serious.” “Brazil is one of the best junior teams I have ever seen,” said Lorne Sawula, the Canadian coach. “They are young and skilled and play with discipline and desire.” Spanish

USA moved to the semifinals

June 25, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- USA moved to the semifinals of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup while defeating Puerto Rico in straight sets by score of 30-28, 25-15, 25-17.The Americans, who finished second to Cuba in Pool A, will face Dominican Republic, winner of the Pool B. Lefty Nancy Metcalf led four Americans in double figures with 23 points. Brittany Hochevar scored 13, Ogonna Nnamani had 12 and Elisha Thomas chipped 11. Karina Ocasio was the best player for Puerto Rico with 16 points and Aurea Cruz cooperated with 10. “I think the first set was the difference,” said Kevin Hambly, the USA coach. “Puerto Rico played a great first set and the story could be different if they had prevailed in the initial set.” With the score tied at 28, Metcalf shot one of her 22 spikes and Nnamani followed with a block to close it. “We played a good first set but when Hochevar came in they stabilized their reception and won the last two sets easily,” said Carlos Nunez, the Puerto Rican coach. “This is my first competition as coach for Puerto Rico and I think we have a good group of young players.” Spanish

Costa Rica defeated Guatemala

June 25, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Costa Rica defeated Guatemala 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-20) in the match for the positions 9 and 10 of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup. Verania and Angela Willis had 19 and 16 points respectively for Costa Rica and Paola Ramirez added 9. Ana Ramirez led Guatemala with 11 points. “The girls were a little bit nervous facing our main rival in Central America,” said Braulio Godinez, the Costa Rican coach. “We lost too many serves and Guatemala played good defense. The match was not good from a technical viewpoint but we are happy with the result.” “We could not develop our game plan,” said Julio Dominguez, the coach of Guatemala. “But nevertheless it has been a great experience for our junior players.” Spanish

Mexico edged Argentina in five sets 

June 25, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Mexico edged Argentina in five hard fought sets and finished in the seventh position in the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup. The Mexicans were down 1-2 but came back strong behind de attack of Bibi Candelas, who scored 27 points, and Yendy Cortinas and Claudia Rodriguez, who had 14 and 13 respectively. The score was 20-25, 29-27, 23-25, 25-17, 15-10. Georgina Pinedo was the best scorer for Argentina with 26 points. Mirna Ansaldi had 18 and Mariana Buegos 13. “To finish this way leave a good taste,” said Jorge Azair, the coach of Mexico. “Argentina is a great team and they made adjustments that made it very hard for us. We improved our reception in the last two sets and that was a key factor. I want to congratulate all my players for a great team effort.” “Mexico looked in better shape at the end and we couldn’t resolve in the fifth set,” said Alejandro Arconada, the Argentinean coach. “Their experience also paid off. We are very grateful to the fans of Baja California. It is the most educated crowd that I have ever seen.” Spanish

What the coaches said before the quarterfinals of the Pan American Cup 

June 24, 2004,Alejandro Arconada (ARG): “The organizers have done a great job. We are very grateful to the Federation of Argentina which is once again in the international level. We hope to have a great match with Mexico on Thursday.” Antonio Rizola (BRA): “We have accomplished the first goal of qualifying for the 2005 World Grand Prix. Now the next step is to finish in the final four.” Lorne Sawula (CAN): “We hope to finish in the top four. Having said that, the competition in the continent keeps growing and the organization of the Pan American Cup has been excellent. ”Braulio Godinez (CRC): “It has been a great honor to participate in the Pan American Cup. We have a revamped team and had good sets against Brazil and Dominican Republic. Now we hope to get our first victory tomorrow against Guatemala.” More Spanish

Cuba trounced USA to win Pool A

June 23, 2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Cuba trounced USA in consecutive sets and qualified in first place in Pool A of the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup. The three time Olympic Champions advanced to the semifinal round after their triumph 25-17, 25-19, 25-15 in just 64 minutes of action. The victory gave the Cubans a spot in the 2005 World Grand Prix. Yaima Ortiz and Zoila Barros each had 13 points for Cuba and Yumilka Ruiz scored 10. Ortiz and Barros had three aces apiece. For the Americans, Nancy Metcalf had 12 points and Nnamani Ogonna added 10. USA will meet Puerto Rico in the quarterfinals while Brazil will face Canada in the other match on Thursday. The same day Costa Rica and Guatemala will decide the ninth position and Mexico will play Argentina for the seventh spot. The teams will rest on Wednesday. Spanish

Dominican Republic tops Pool B 

June 23, 2004, MEXICALI, Baja California.- The Dominican Republic finished in first place in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Mexico 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-14).The victory secured the Dominicans a berth in the semifinals and a ticket to the 2005 World Grand Prix. They finished tied with Brazil and Puerto Rico in wins and sets but edged Brazil by points ratio. The Dominicans won the first set with the killings of Kenia Moreta and the serves by Priscila Rivera and Annerys Vargas. In the second set, it was veteran Cosiris Rodriguez who starred for the Dominicans with 10 powerful spikes. It was again the tandem of Moreta and Rodriguez who provided the spark in the third. Rodriguez had 19 points and Moreta followed with 17. Other in double figures were Milagros Cabral and Annerys Vargas with 12 and 10 respectively. Bibi Candelas scored 11 for Mexico.“The team came out determined to win and it showed on the court,” said Jorge Garbey, More Spanish

Brazil beat Costa Rica and is in 2005 WGP 

June 23, 2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Brazil defeated Costa Rica in straight sets and finished with a 3-1 record in Pool B of the Pan American Cup.The score was 25-12, 25-10, 25-20 and the Brazilians qualified for the 2005 World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s event of the FIVB as the top team from South America. Argentina, the other team from that region did not advance to the second phase in Pool A. Regiane Bidias, who scored 18 spikes, was the star for Brazil in the first set when she seemed unstoppable at the net while Suellje Oliveira, who finished with 17, sparked the offense in the second. Verania Willis had 12 points for Costa Rica, including nine in the third set. Fernanda Rodrigues, the captain of Brazil, said: “I suffered because was not able to contribute because of my leg injury but otherwise I feel happy with the result.” Verania Willis, the Costa Rica’s captain, said: “It is the first time we have the chance to play against Brazil, a team of high level. It was a great experience. I think that we played better with every match.” Spanish

Argentina got its first victory 

June 23, 2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Argentina got its first victory in Pool A of the Pan American Cup defeating Guatemala 3-0 (25-13, 25-10, 25-14). The Argentineans finished with a 1-3 record while Guatemala ended the preliminary phase with 0-4 and will meet Costa Rica in the match for the 9 and 10 positions. Georgina Pinedo and Carolina Morillas had 13 and 12 points respectively for Argentina while Melisa Callo, Mirna Ansaldi and Ileana Leyendaker added 7 apiece. Julian Burmester had 7 points for Guatemala. Spanish

Dominicans blanked Costa Rica

June 22, 2004, MEXICALI, Baja California.- The Dominican Republic grabbed its second victory against one loss in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup in defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-7, 25-22, 25-12) this Monday. The Dominicans demolished its rivals in the first set with their serves and blocking. Setter Juana Gonzalez had five aces during a 10 point rally to end it. Costa Rica reacted in the second but the more experienced Dominicans came from behind with the blocks and spikes of Priscila Rivera. Milagros Cabral led the Dominicans with 14 points, Rivera added 12 and Kenia Moreta 10. Verania Willis had 13 for Costa Rica.“I am more confident in this tournament as the regular setter,” said Gonzalez. More Spanish

Canada advance to quarterfinals 

June 22, 2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Canada secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Pan American Cup with a 3-0 victory over Guatemala. The Canadians overmatched their opponents and finished with a 2-2 record in Pool A competition good for third place. The score was 25-13, 25-19, 25-14 in just 60 minutes. Lorne Sawula, the Canadian coach, used all his players in the match and Emily Cordonier and Melissa Raymond, two of the regulars, only played in the third set. Tammy Mahon led the Canadians with 12 points and Amy Tutt and Cheryl Stinson added 9 apiece. Ana Ramirez had 7 points for Guatemala. Spanish

Puerto Rico overcame Brazil 

June 22, 2004, MEXICALI, Baja California.- Puerto Rico overcame a one set deficit to defeat Brazil 3-1 for its third victory against one loss in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup. The score was 18-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-19. The triumph of Puerto Rico open the chance of a three-way tie along with Dominican Republic and Brazil. On Tuesday, the Dominicans have a match to play with Mexico and Brazil meet Costa Rica. The Girls From Brazil jumped to a fast start in the first set and never looked back with the solid play of Suellje Oliveira and Veronica Brito. But the more veteran Puerto Ricans came back in the second and third with Shanon Torregrosa providing strong spiking and blocking. Karina Ocasio, who played a key role in the fourth set finished the match with a powerful spike. More Spanish

USA keep perfect record

June 22, 2004, TIJUANA, Baja California.- USA mantained a perfect record in three outings in the Women’s Pan American Cup after sweeping Argentina in straight sets. The Americans will face Cuba on  Tuesday to decide the winner of Pool A. The winner of each pool automatically advance to the semifinal phase. The teams in second and third place will play crossed matches in the quarterfinals. The Americans did not have any trouble against the Argentineans and won by score of 25-16, 25-22, 25-19. Nancy Metcalf and Ogonna Nnamani each had 11 points for USA and Elisha Thomas added 8 in a well balance offense that had Cynthia Barboza with 7 and Liz Bachman with 6. For Argentina, Mirna Ansaldi had 10 points and Georgina Pacheco added 8. Spanish

Cuba displayed all its power 

June 21,2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Cuba displayed all its power while crushing Guatemala in consecutive sets by score of 25-6, 25-11, 25-5.The big and high leaping Cubans were almost perfect in their attack and the small girls from Guatemala were no match for the three time Olympic Champions. Dulce Tellez led the Cubans with 15 points and Dami Ramirez added 12. Tellez had success in 11 of 12 attacks, Ramirez was 8-for-13 and veteran Zoila Barros was 5-for-5 attacking. Cuba is now 3-0 in Pool A of this qualifier for the 2005 World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s event of the FIVB. They previously beat Canada and Argentina. They have a rest day tomorrow and on Tuesday will face USA to probably decide the winner of the group. Spanish

Puerto Rico got its second triumph

June 21,2004, MEXICALI, Baja California.- Puerto Rico cruised to its second victory in the Pan American Cup with an one sided victory over Costa Rica 25-14, 25-14, 25-11. Alexandra Oquendo and Yarleen Santiago had 11 points apiece for the winners and Verania Willis also had 11 for Costa Rica. “It was an important victory because take us near to our real objective. Tomorrow we play against Brazil and we are looking for a three way tie in this Pool B,” said Carlos Nunez, the Puerto Rican coach. Yarleen Santiago, the captain of Puerto Rico, said: “Our service was very effective and gave them a lot of problems for the reception.” Braulio Godinez, the Costa Rica coach, said: “During part of the match we played evenly with Puerto Rico but their service was a big difference.” Verania Willis, the captain of Costa Rica, said: “Our goal was to play as best as possible and make the lower number of mistakes. The important thing is that we are learning from a group of talented teams.” Spanish

Canada take its first win 

June 21,2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Canada obtained its first victory in Pool A of the Pan American Cup defeating Argentina 3-0, and seems a lock to advance to the next round of the competition. The Canadians took losses in their first two outings against Cuba and USA but tomorrow they are scheduled to face Guatemala, considered the weakest team in the event. There was a battle during the first two sets when the North Americans prevailed 25-21, 25-22, but in the third Canada won easily 25-16. The match lasted 1 hour and 13 minutes. Emely Cordonier had 12 points for Canada and was escorted by Lies Verhoeff with 11 and Bard Bellini with 10. Georgina Pinedo led all the scorers with 16 points and Mirna Ansaldi and Karina Pacheco had 8 apiece for Argentina. Spanish

Brazil keep an unbeaten record in Pool B 

June 21,2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Brazil kept its unbeaten record (2-0) in the Pan American Cup winning this Sunday in straight sets over Mexico by score of 29-27, 25-13, 25-20. Regiane Bidias’s attack was key in the victory of the Brazilians scoring 19 points. She had 16 spikes in 29 attempts and Thaisa Menezes had 13 points with Adenizia Silva scoring 10. Yendy Cortinas and Bibi Candelas had 9 apiece for Mexico. “The first set was decisive because gave us the momentum,”said Antonio Rizola, the Brazilian coach. “Down 23-24, the two aces of Juliana Amaral coming of the bench gave us new life.” “It was a very tense first set and we couldn’t get that much needed point,” said Jorge Azair, the coach of the host team. “The rest of the way, Brazil took advantage of its blocking.” Pic: Bidias Regiane....Spanish

Brazil pulled the first surprise in Pan American Cup 

June 20,2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- The young Brazilian team made its debut in the Pan American Cup pulling the first major upset in Pool B defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1. The winners of the bronze medal in last year U-18 Girls, came from one set down to beat the champions of the 2003 Pan American Games by score of 21-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-23. Veronica Brito was the best player for Brazil with 18 points while being successful in 50 % of her attacks (14-for-28). Regiane Bidias added 16 and Adenizia Silva had 11.Kenia Moreta had 20 points for the Dominicans, including 18 spikes. Cosiris Rodriguez and Annerys Vargas had 12 apiece and Milagros Cabral 10.“We have a great respect for the Dominican team and the team was nervous,” said Antonio Rizola, the Brazilian coach. “It was not easy, but our serve and defense carried us.” More Spanish

Cuba remains unbeaten in Pool A 

June 20,2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Cuba remained unbeaten in Pool A of the Pan American Cup after defeating Argentina in straight sets on Saturday action. The Argentineans fought hardly in the first two sets before being edged by the veteran Cuban squad by score of 25-21, 25-21, 25-15. Veterans Zoila Barros and Yumilka Ruiz shared the spotlight for the Cubans with 17 and 12 points respectively and Martha Sanchez had 8. For Argentina Mirna Ansaldi had 9 points and Karina Pacheco chipped 8 and Viviana Dominko 7. It was the first match for Argentina in this qualifier for the 2005 World Grand Prix, the premier FIVB annual event for women. In their first outing on Friday, the Cubans had no problem dispatching Canada in straight sets. Spanish

Three teams tied in Pool B

June 20,2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Puerto Rico got its first victory in  the Pan American Cup edging México in three sets by scores of 27-25, 25-21, 25-21. Both teams are tied with Dominican Republic with record of 1-1 in Pool B while Brazil is 1/0. Karina Ocasio and Aurea Cruz were the offensive leaders for Puerto Rico with 16 and 15 points while Bibi Candelas and Claudia Rodriguez starred for the host team with 14 an 12 respectively. “It was a very important win for us after the loss of Dominican Republic to Brazil in the first match today,” said Carlos Nunez, the new Puerto Rican coach. “Our strong service was the key to avoid the attack of Mexican middleblockers.” Jorge Azair blamed the loss to the lack of training. “It was clear the lack of teamwork and our reception was our main problem.” Yarleen Santiago, the Puerto Rican captain, said: “It is a very important win and now we can battle for the top two places in our pool.” Bibi Candelas, the top Mexican player, said: “This volleyball is different than the one I played at college level in the NCAA. Is more physical but we have to continue playing hard and improve from last year.” Spanish

USA is tied with Cuba after two matches 

June 20,2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- USA Women Team won their second match in as many chances while beating Canada 3-0 in Pool A competition of the Pan American Cup. The Americans had defeated Guatemala on Friday while Canada suffered its second consecutive loss after falling to Cuba in the opening day. The defending champions of the Pan American Cup edged their North American neighbors by score of 25-20, 25-16, 25-21. Nancy Metcalf was the top American scorer with 17 points and Elisha Thomas backed her with 14. Metcalf scored in 13 of 23 spikes attempts and Thomas was 12-for-22. Emely Cordonier was the best for the Canadians with 10 points. Spanish

Dominican Republic’s blocking was the key against Puerto Rico

June 19,2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- The Dominican Republic defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 in the opening match of the Pan American Cup, a qualifier for the 2005 World Grand Prix. The Dominicans, champions of the 2003 Pan Am Games, relied on a strong blocking and held off a comeback of Puerto Rico to prevail 25-18, 25-17, 18-25, 25-23.Veteran Cosiris Rodriguez led four Dominican players in double figures with 17 points followed by Milagros Cabral with 15. Priscila Rivera, who had nine blocks, added 15 and Kenia Moreta chipped 10. Puerto Rican Karina Ocasio led all the scorers with 23 points and Aury Cruz added 13. Rivera’s blocking was the key in the second set when she had six of her nine, including four in a rally of seven consecutive points.“We started with good rhythm in the first two sets but suddenly the team stopped,” said Jorge Garbey, the Dominican coach. “We gave a break to Puerto Rico with our weak reception and they took advantage.” More Spanish

Mexico cruised to an easy triumph over Costa Rica

June 19,2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- Mexico, the host of the Pan American Cup, started the competition with the right foot achieving an easy win over Costa Rica in straight sets before 2,500 spectators. The score was 25-11, 25-9, 25-19. Before the match, the official opening ceremony took place on the presence of Mr. Eugenio Elorduy Walther, Governor of the State of Baja California, and Mr. Cristobal Marte, President of NORCECA Confederation. Bibi Candelas led the Mexican attack with 19 points and Blanca Chan and Claudia Rodriguez added 10 and 9 respectively. Verania Willis was the best of Costa Rica with 11.  “At the start my team was a little bit under pressure and we faced some problems with our reception,” said Jorge Azair, the Mexican coach. “But after that we got in a groove and were able to dominate.” More Spanish

Cuba routed Canada

June 19,2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Cuba, the three time Olympic defending champions, defeated Canada 3-0 in the nightcap of the opening day in Pool A of the Pan American Women’s Volleyball Cup. Cuba, one of the favorites of this qualifier for the 2005 World Grand Prix, routed the Canadians by score of 25-15, 25-19, 25-17 in 69 minutes. Yumilka Ruiz and Yaima Ortiz each scored 13 points and were very effective with their spikes. Ortiz was successful in 10 of 18 attempts and Ruiz in 12 out of 20. Zoila Barros added 9 points. Barb Bellini was the best scorer for Canada with 11 points. Spanish

USA crushed Guatemala

June 19,2004,TIJUANA, Baja California.- Defending champions USA had an easy first match in the Pan American Cup crushing the young and inexperienced team of Guatemala by score of 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-12). The Americans dominated the match and the Central American squad  never was a rival on the court during the 57 minutes of one-sided action.  Liz Bachman led the Americans with 16 points. She had 11 spikes out of 17 attempts and had five blocks. Elisha Thomas cooperated with 12 while American coach Kevin Hambly rotated all his players and everyone had at least one point. Nancy Metcalf and Cynthia Barboza chipped 6 apiece. The Americans play tomorrow against Canada and Guatemala have a day of rest. Spanish

Everything is ready for the Pan American Cup 

June 18,2004,MEXICALI, Baja California.- “Everything is ready” reads the headline of La Cronica, one of the Mexicali newspapers, in reference to the Pan American Women’s Volleyball Cup that start on Friday with ten teams from the Americas battling for four tickets to the 2005 World Grand Prix. USA, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Brazil, four countries with berths for the Athens Olympics, are considered the strongest in the field. The Americans with a team that include such stars as Heather Bown, Nancy Metcalf, and Danielle Scott, finished in third place in the World Cup last November in Japan. They are just coming from taking the silver medal in the Montreux Volley Masters in Switzerland. Cuba won the NORCECA Confederation qualifier in Santo Domingo last December and the Dominicans crushed their rivals in the South American Qualifier in Caracas in January. More Spanish

What the Pan American Cup coaches had to say 

June 18,2004, Lorne Sawula, head coach of Canada: “It is very simple for us. In our case we are in a new situation. This is a time to experiment. But we are here to play hard and try to be in the top four.”  Antonio Rizola, head coach of Brazil: “It is very easy for us. Our principal squad is now in Italy. We are here with a team with girls not older than 18. We are aiming to finish ahead of Argentina and make the next Grand Prix.”  Alejandro Arconada, head coach of Argentina: “We are going to try to beat the Brazilians. This is a team formed not long ago. We did not have enough time to prepare but I promise that for the next Olympic cycle we will be battling for one spot.” Eugenio George, head coach of Cuba: “This competition is another step in our preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Specifically we want to be in top four and maintain our participation in the Grand Prix. We want to contribute to make this Pan American Cup the biggest event in our continent.” More Spanish

Candelas says there are no small rivals 

June 18,2004, MEXICALI, Baja California.- Bibi Candelas, the star of the México Team in the Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup hopes her team can improve from the eight place of last year edition. “There are no small rivals in the tournament because this is a very important event,” said Candelas to La Voz de la Frontera, about the event, a qualifier for the 2005 World Grand Prix. “The team have not been together for a long period but I hope that we can put in a good show,” she added. Candelas, who is studying Communications in the University of Southern California, is one of the tallest player in the Pan American Cup with 1.96 meters. With a strong performance from the Mexican athlete, USC won the NCAA Championship for second consecutive year and as crowned champions the team visited the White House and George W. Bush, President of the United States of America. Mexico will be one of the five teams in Pool A that also include Dominican Republic, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. In Pool B will be USA, Cuba, Canada, Argentina and Guatemala. Spanish

Mexico aiming to regain status as super power

June 16,2004,Mexico is looking to regain the status as one of the stronger teams in the NORCECA region as it was the case during the seventies when they disputed the supremacy with the sides of USA and Cuba. During the last Pan American Cup in Saltillo, Mexico, the host team finished in a disappointing cellar without victories to show despite the big support from the crowd. Now in Baja California, the Mexicans hope to revert the results of last year event won by the USA squad, with Dominican Republic in second and Cuba in third place. Bibiana Candelas is the biggest star of the Mexican starting six. Candelas, who plays for the University of Southern California, is the owner of powerful spikes and with her 1.96 meters she also is an intimidating blocker. More Spanish

NORCECA ofrece pleno apoyo al Presidente Acosta 

9 de Junio,2004, La Confederación Norte Centroamericana y del Caribe de Voleibol (NORCECA), presidida por el dominicano Sr. Cristobal Marte Hóffiz y formada por 35 Federaciones Nacionales, expresó su pleno apoyo a la decisión del Dr. Rubén Acosta Hernández de renunciar como miembro del Comité Olímpico Internacional por las razones explicadas por el Presidente de la FIVB en una carta al Dr. Jacques Rogge, Presidente del COI. “Queremos confirmar el respaldo unánime de esta Confederación manifestado ampliamente durante el pasado XXIX Congreso Mundial de la FIVB en Porto, Portugal, donde nuevamente recibió usted la confianza y el apoyo en forma unánime de las Federaciones Nacionales presentes,” dijo Marte Hóffiz en una carta a Acosta. “Este es un reconocimiento responsable, justo e imprescindible ante su pasión y consagración por nuestra disciplina deportiva a nivel mundial. Mas English

Tres equipos femeninos de NORCECA en mismo grupo
ATENAS, Grecia.- Los tres equipos femeninos de la Confederación NORCECA jugarán en el mismo grupo durante los próximos Juegos Olímpicos de Atenas, Grecia luego del sorteo de los lotes llevado a cabo en las oficinas del Comité Olímpico Helénico este lunes.El Sorteo de Lotes fue conducido por el Coordinador de Eventos Deportivos de la FIVB Sr. Lance Kelly en compañía del Secretario General Adjunto de la FIVB Sr. Franz Schmied, el vicepresidente de la FIVB y vicepresidente de la Federación Helénica de Voleibol Sr. Theofanis Tsiokris, el Gerente General de ATENAS 2004 Sr. Makis Assimakopoulos, el presidente de la Federación Helénica de Voleibol Sr. Athanasios Beligratis y el gerente de las competencias de voleibol ATENAS 2004 Sr. Leonidas Karaiskos, quienes determinaron el orden de los partidos en la Ronda Preliminar tanto de las competencias de hombres y mujeres en el Estadio Paz y Amistad. Mas English

NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualification Tournament
NORCECA Men - USA grab Olympic spot
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 10, 2004 - USA won a berth for the Athens Olympic Games after edging Cuba in a five-set thriller at the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifier tournament 21-25, 25-18, 24-26, 25-22, 15-13 before about 2,500 fans. More Spanish NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualification news
 
NORCECA Men - Canada wins bronze medal
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 10, 2004 - Canada recovered from a 1-2 deficit to edge Puerto Rico in five thrilling sets 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10 to finish in third place at the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifier Tournament in Puerto Rico. More Spanish

NORCECA Men - USA reach gold medal match
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 9, 2004 - Favourites USA moved one step closer to the 2004 Olympic Games by sweeping Canada 27-25, 27-25, 25-16 in a well-contested semifinal at the NORCECA Olympic Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico on Friday night. Reid Priddy scored a match-high 16 points and Ryan Millar added 15 as Team USA maintained their unbeaten run at the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record. "It was a traditional match well fought against Canada," USA captain Lloyd Ball said. "I think we made the necessary adjustments in our service and receiving to win the match". More Spanish
Pic: Clayton Stanley and Thomas Hoff block Canada's Terence Martin

Cuba to face USA in decider for Athens
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 9, 2004 - Cuba advanced to the gold medal match and the chance of a place in Athens after defeating Puerto Rico 3-1 in the second semifinal at the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament before more than 4,000 fans. The attack of Tomas Aldazabal and Osmay Juantorena was the key for the Cubans in the first set and second sets. The host Puerto Ricans were ahead 21-18 in the second, but the more experienced Cubans came back to erase the deficit and prevailed. More Spanish
Pic: Cuba's Pavel Pimenta spikes into Rodriguez

USA finish with perfect record
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 8, 2003 – Tournament favourites USA finished the preliminary round of the NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico without tasting the bitterness of a loss after blanking the home side in just over an hour 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 for their fourth win of the tournament. More Spanish  

Cuba finish second and eliminate Mexico in process
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 8, 2004 - The national team of Cuba completed an excellent performance in the preliminary round of the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament with a comfortable 25-22, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17 victory over Mexico. More Spanish

Cuba beat Puerto Rico before big crowd
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 7, 2003 - In the big match of the day for local fans Cuba beat Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-18, 17-25, 25-19, 25-23) in front of a sell out crowd at the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico. More than 6,000 "aficionados" saw the Cubans prevail to improve its record to two wins and one defeat for the tournament while Puerto Rico now sit at 1-2. More  Spanish Pic: Cuban Tomas Aldzabal spikes over the block of Puerto Rican Hector Soto

USA remain unbeaten with Canadian victory
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 7, 2003 - USA survived two high pressure sets but kept their unbeaten record at the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico with a straight sets defeat of Canada (27-25, 30-28, 25-21) in 83 minutes on Wednesday.The Americans have now won all three of their matches and are favourites to claim the Olympic ticket to Athens while Canada are now 1-3 and must wait until Thursday to know if their qualification hopes are still alive. In a match typical of the arch rivalry between the two neighbouring countries the first two sets were a battle of the strongest with the lead changing several times, before, once again, the Canadians had problems in executing key plays when it mattered most. In the third set the Americans dominated with Tom Hoff leading their big blockers to record the victory. More  Spanish

Canada finally collect first win
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 6, 2004 - After two successive defeats Canada finally managed to establish its overall game to record it's first win at the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-19) victory over Mexico in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Stelio DeRocco, the Canadian coach, used only a limited group of his players and they dominated from the start with effective blocking and good offensive combinations to blank the Mexicans. "We were in a must win situation and we were able to establish our game right from the very beginning," DeRocco said. "Now we have to concentrate on the match against USA in what will be a big match as both squads know each other very well". More Spanish Pic: Canadian libero Lucas Snider receives against Mexico

USA dominate Cuba
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 6, 2004 - USA defeated Cuba 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22) in a so called "NORCECA Classic" for its second victory in as many outings in the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifier Tournament in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. In a preview of the likely "final" on Saturday both teams exhibited good blocking ability and offensive power and as both teams are considered as the favorites for the ticket to Athens 2004, Tuesday's win was a great fillip for USA. More Spanish
Pic: Erik Sullivan was the star for USA at libero

Puerto Rico's Soto stops Canada
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 5, 2004 - A stunning 28-point haul from Hector Soto helped hosts Puerto Rico fight back from one set down to beat Canada 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-21) to even up their record after two days of action in the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifier in Caguas. Soto, who had 35 points one day earlier against Mexico, was instrumental in the victory being Puerto Rico's main offensive weapon and thanks to contributions from Ossie Antonetti (15), Victor Rivera (11) and Ariel Rodriguez (10) Puerto Rico wrapped up their first win of the tournament in 112 minutes. More Spanish Pic: Canadian libero Lucas Snider receives

NORCECA Men - USA beat Mexico in straight sets
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, January 5.- The United States received the perfect work out as coach Doug Beal used all his players in a comfortable straight sets (28-26, 25-14, 25-18) victory over Mexico in the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico on Monday. Clayton Stanley and Riley Salmon contributed 10 points apiece as the Americans registered their first win over the tournament courtesy of some excellent blocking. Captain Lloy Ball and Ryan Miller made four and three blocks respectively in a grand team total of 14 for the match. More Spanish Pic: USA captain Lloy Ball questions a referee's call against Mexico

Cuba start on the right foot
Caguas, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2004 - Cuba opened the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico with a powerful 3-1 defeat of Canada overcoming some strong resistance from the North Americans before running out winners 26-24, 25-22, 16-25, 30-28. The potent attack of the islanders was devastating against a Canadian team with great blocking ability. Canada battled strongly but could not get the key points. "Tonight Cuba was almost perfect and we could not deliver in the important moments," said Stelio DeRocco, the Canadian coach. "Now we have to concentrate on the match against Puerto Rico. The tournament is just beginning and losing the first game is not a sign of elimination, there is still everything to play for right up to the last day."
More Spanish Pic: Cuban Tomas Aldazabal was great against Canada

Mexico win five-setter over Puerto Rico
Caguas, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2004 - The combined offense of Ivan Contreras and Jose Luis Martell gave Mexico a spectacular five set victory over Puerto Rico on the first day of the NORCECA Men's Olympic Qualifier in Puerto Rico. Contreras and Martell scored 21 and 20 points respectively to lead Mexico to a satisfying 25-22, 17-25, 25-23, 23-25, 15-13 win. "This one was very similar to the match we had in the last NORCECA Championship in Culiacan," said Contreras, the Mexican captain. "The two teams play with a lot of intensity and we play very hard against each other. I think today we had more gas at the end." More Spanish Pic:  Puerto Rico and Mexico (white) in action

USA Men Gearing Up for Olympic Qualifier
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. December 24, 2003 - The USA men's national Volleyball team will start the new year with its second chance to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. Team USA, which narrowly missed qualifying in November by finishing fourth at the World Cup in Japan (the top three teams-Brazil, Italy and Serbia and Montenegro-all earned early tickets to Athens), has two more opportunities to reach Greece. More
 

NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualification Tournament
Cuba is once again in the Olympics
December 21, 2003 - Cuba joined China, Brazil, United States and Greece as one of the women's teams already with a berth in the next Olympic Games after trouncing Dominican Republic in straight sets 25-18, 25-18, 25-11 in just over an hour. It was an artistic and powerful performance from the three-time Olympic champions and there was no doubt which team was the best one on court. Veterans Zoila Barros and Yumilka Ruiz collected 15 and 14 points respectively and emerging stars Nancy Carrillo and Yaima Ortiz scored nine points apiece. For the Dominicans, Kenia Moreta and Milagros Cabral registered nine apiece. More Spanish  Pic: Yumila Ruiz lifts the trophy that sends Cuba to Athens

Canada wins the bronze medal
December 21, 2003 - Canada won the bronze medal of the NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualifier defeating Puerto Rico in consecutive sets 25-15, 25-20, 25-15 on Sunday. More Spanish

Dominican Republic and Cuba go for the gold
December 20, 2003 - Dominican Republic will face Cuba in the gold medal match of the NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualifier on Sunday after defeating Canada in straight sets 25-23, 25-21, 25-20 on Saturday. More Spanish

Cuba one step away from Olympics
December 20, 2003 - Three time Olympic champions Cuba advanced to the gold medal match and one step away from the Athens Olympic Games with a 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-11 ) victory over Puerto Rico on Sunday. More Spanish

Cuba had an easy victory over Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, December 18, 2003 - Cuba had an easy victory over Dominican Republic and looks ready to take the first place in the preliminary phase of the NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualifier. The Cubans won by a score of 25-17, 25-16, 25-14 and will entertain Mexico on Friday, the weakest team in the tournament. More Spanish Match Results and Standings  
Pic: Cubans Yaima Ortiz and Zoila Barros block Dominican Kenia Moreta

Puerto Rico defeats Mexico
Santo Domingo, December 18, 2003 - Puerto Rico took an important step towards the semifinal round with a victory in consecutive sets over Mexico, who still have to win its first match. The score was 25-19, 25-20, 25-21.Puerto Rico, who is now 1-2, had to come from six points back in the third set (13-19) to close the match. With the score evened at 19, Karina Ocasio scored three consecutive spikes to give her side room to breath. More Spanish Match Results and Standings

Dominican Republic maintains a perfect record
Santo Domingo, December 17, 2003 - The Dominican Republic kept its perfect record in the NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualifier with a 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico. The score was 25-22, 25-21, 25-20. Cosiris Rodriguez and Yudelkis Bautista were the best players for the host squad who faces Cuba on Thursday. The Cubans had a rest day.The veteran Rodriguez closed the first set with a couple of cannon shots and was succesful in 13 of 20 attempts finishing with 14 points. Bautista had 12 points. More Spanish Pic: Dominican's celebrate after their victory over Puerto Rico Match Results and Standings

Canada got its first triumph
Santo Domingo, December 17, 2003 - Canada had a game of peaks and valleys but found the way to defeat Mexico in consecutive sets for its first victory in the NORCECA’s Women Olympic Qualifier keeping alive the chances to make the semifinal phase. The Canadians had to overcome a 23-20 deficit in the first set to prevail 27-25. The North Americans came back strong in the second set that saw them overmatch the Mexicans 25-8.  More Spanish Match Results and Standings  Pic: Young Yarimar Rosa spiking against Canada

Dominicans tie with Cuba in first place
Santo Domingo, December 17, 2003 - The Dominican Republic got its second victory in as many days tying with Cuba in the first place of the NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualifier. The host team came back from one set down to beat Canada 3-1 (25-27, 25-17, 25-21, 25-20).“We played with a lot of up and downs but made the good plays at the right time,” said Jorge Garbey, the Dominican coach. “After the first set, we established the tempo of the match and our blocking was also a factor.” More  Spanish Match Results and Standings  Pic: Dominican Yudelkis Bautista spikes

Barros and Ruiz led Cuban victory over Puerto Rico
Santo Domingo, December 16, 2003 - Veterans Zoila Barros and Yumilka Ruiz led Cuba in its victory over Puerto Rico 3-0 to keep an unbeaten record in two outings during the NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualifier in Santo Domingo. Barros had 15 points and Ruiz 12 with a display of powerful services and spikes as the Cubans overwhelmed the Puerto Ricans with a score of 25-18, 25-18, 25-20. Yaima Ortiz and Nancy Carrillo added 9 and 9 points respectively.  More Spanish

Dominicans dominate Mexico
Santo Domingo, December 16, 2003 - The Dominican Republic crushed Mexico 3-0 in the nightcap of the opening day of the NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualifier. It was a powerful show from the host team considered to be the toughest rival for the favorite Cubans. The score was 25-17, 25-16, 25-8 and the match lasted only 58 minutes.“Our team has been training very well and has improved a lot in the tactic and defensive game and we hope to keep improving,” said Jorge Garbey, the Dominican coach. More Spanish Pic: Dominican Kenia Moreta attacks the Mexican wall.

Cuba takes the first step to Athens
Santo Domingo, December 16, 2003 - Cuba took the first step toward Athens with a 3-1 victory over Canada in the opening match of the NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualifier in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Yumilka Ruiz, Zoila Barros, Nancy Carrillo and Yaima Ortiz all scored in double figures as the three-time Olympic Champions defeated the Canadians by score of 25-18, 25-14, 24-26, 25-19.Ruiz had 16 points, and Carrillo and Barros scored 15 apiece while Ortiz contributed with 10. “I am satisfied with the victory,” said Luis Felipe Calderon, the Cuban coach. More Spanish Match Results and Standings  Pic: Cuba take one step closer to Athens

Puerto Rico with a mix of veterans and rookies

December 15, 2003 - Puerto Rico is entering the December 15, 2003 - Norceca Women´s Olympic Qualifier Tournament with a mix of veteran and rookie players like captain and setter Xiomara Molero, 32, and Yarimar Rosa, who at 15 is the youngest athlete in the event that quicks off today. “The tournament marks the come back to the national team of Eva Cruz and I hope she can compensate the absence of Aury Cruz, who is taking part in the finals of the NCAA in the United States,” said David Aleman, the Puerto Rican coach. More Spanish Match Results and Standings
 

Canada ready for the challenge
December 15, 2003 - Lorne Sawula, the Canadian coach, knows that his team has a distant chance of qualifying for the Olympic Games, but he is not about to close the door on the possibility.“We are looking forward to our final chance to qualify for the Olympics and we are here with the same team that finished fourth in the Norceca Championship,” said Sawula. “I know that Cuba is the team to beat and the rest are more or less in the same league,” he added. More  Spanish Pic:Lorne Sawula with his team at the 2003 World Grand Prix. Match Results and Standings
 

Garbey thinks Dominicans have to play great to beat Cuba
December 14, 2003 - Jorge Garbey, the Dominican coach, says Cuba is the team to beat in the NORCECA Women’s Olympic Qualifier and he thinks his squad has the tools to fulfill the task. “Cuba is the favorite in this tournament and we would have to play a great game to beat them,” said Garbey of Cuban nacionality. “But we have done it before and we can do it again. The team has been training hard and is in good shape.” More Spanish Pic: Bautista Yudelkys (DOM) attacks against Munoz Barros and Ortiz (CUB).
 

Calderon optimistic about Cuba’s chances in Norceca Women’s event
December 13, 2003 - Cuba is the heavy favorite to win the Norceca Women’s Olympic Qualifier and coach Luis Felipe Calderon pronounced his squad as ready to make it to Athens. The tournament will be played in Santo Domingo starting this Monday 15 with teams also from Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.“We know that there are some good teams here but we are prepared to win the tournament and the right to be one of the twelve teams in the Olympic Games,” said Calderon. More Spanish Pic:Luis Felipe Calderon is optimistic about Cuba's chances for qualifying to Athens.

NORCECA Olympic Qualifier ready to start 
December 12, 2003 - The NORCECA Women's Olympic Qualifier Tournament in Santo Domingo is ready to start with five teams from the region battling before the Christmas holidays for the most precious gift: A trip to Athens. Squads from Cuba, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic will play in a round robin format (December 15-21), with the top four teams qualifying for the semifinal round.  More Spanish

2004 Olympics

Continental Olympic Qualification Tournaments
November 27, 2003 - Taking into consideration that the qualification of the Brazilian women's team has left only three teams to participate in the South American qualification tournament, the FIVB has proposed that the South American Confederation, with the agreement of NORCECA, choose one of the following two solutions, both in accordance with the FIVB and Olympic Regulations: More Spanish
 
World Cup Countdown
USA Women Beat Brazil in Texas Tour Finale
BURLESON, Texas, October 4, 2003 – After dropping the first three matches of a four-match Texas Tour against Brazil, the United States Women's Volleyball team won the finale 3-1 (25-22, 16-25, 25-15, 25-20) in Burleson on Saturday. Tayyiba Haneef scored a match-high 18 points in the victory as Team USA improved to 21-12 and won its final match before the World Cup begins on Nov. 1. More
Pic: USA celebrate winning the last of the four encounters with Brazil

October 3, 2003 – USA Women Lose Third-Straight to Brazil
October 1, 2003 – Brazil Defeats USA Women for Second Straight Night
September 30, 2003 – USA Women fall to Brazil in Texas Tour Opener
September 26, 2003 - USA to battle Brazil in World Cup Warm-ups
September 4, 2003 - USA Women to play Brazil across four matches

NORCECA Men's Championship

USA wins Norceca title 3-1 against Canada
Culiacán, México, Sept 30, 2003- USA has defeated Canada 3-1 to seal the Norceca Men's Continental Championship title to secure places in the World Cup in Japan, the first Olympic qualifier. More Spanish Story by Lissette Ricardo

September 29, 2003 - USA and Canada secure World Cup Berths Spanish
September 28, 2003 - Mexico & Cuba join Canada & USA in semifinals
September 27, 2003 - Day Three: Canada and USA win Group Tables Spanish
September 26, 2003 - USA heads for advancement Spanish
September 25, 2003 - Cuba and USA start with victories Spanish
September 24, 2003 - USA first to arrive in Mexico
September 24, 2003 - Seven Teams to do battle Spanish
September 16, 2003 - USA counting down to Championship

NORCECA Women's Championship
Yumilka Ruiz elected the MVP
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Sept 19, 2003 - Cuban Yumilka Ruiz, a veteran of eight years in her national team, was elected the MVP of the Norceca's Women Continental Championship that finished on Friday with a victory for USA over Cuba in the gold medal match. Americans Prikeba Phipps and Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, were selected as best attacker and setter, while Toshi Yoshida received the trophy as best coach. more Spanish
Pic: Logan Tom flies to attack against the Cuban defense

Sept 18, 2003 - USA wins gold Cuba & Dom Republic follow Sp  
Sept 18, 2003 - Cuba and USA qualify for the World Cup Spanish
Sept 17, 2003 - Cuba and Canada move to semifinals Sp
Sept 16, 2003 - USA book semifinal spot with win over Cuba Sp
Sept 15, 2003 - Dominican Republic edge out Canada Spanish
Sept 14, 2003 - Dominican Republic overcome Puerto Rico Sp
Sept 14, 2003 – Mexico’s Withdrawal Postpones Start for USA
Sept 13, 2003 - Continental Championship start Sunday Sp Fr
Sept 12, 2003 - Canada Women’s team departs for NORCECA Champs
Sept 9, 2003 – USA Roster announced for Women’s NORCECA Zone Championship

USA Men to play two more intrasquad matches
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo, September 11, 2003 – The USA men’s national Volleyball team will hold two intrasquad games in Colorado Springs next week on September 16 and September 18 as they build up for one of their biggest tournaments of the year, the NORCECA Zone Championships later this month. More
 

USA Men to Play Intrasquad Match
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo, September 4, 2003 - The USA men's national Volleyball team will hold an intrasquad match in Colorado Springs on Thursday, September 11 at the United States Olympic Training Center to prepare for the Norceca Continental Championships, which start on September 25 in Mexico. More
 

USA Volleyball Mourns Loss of Former President
August 29, 2003 - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Wilbur Herbert Peck, a long-time member of the United States Volleyball Association and president of the organization from 1971-79, passed away on Aug. 27 in Indianapolis, Ind., after a long illness. He was 73. More

World's Second-Ranked USA Women to Play Intrasquad Match
August 29, 2003 - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA women's national volleyball team, ranked No. 2 in the world, will hold an intrasquad scrimmage in Colorado Springs on Tuesday, which will be open to the public at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. All of the program's top players, including past Olympians Logan Tom, Danielle Scott, Keba Phipps, Heather Bown, Stacy Sykora and Robyn Ah Mow, will take part in the scrimmage. Fans will also have a chance to see up-and-coming players like Tayyiba Haneef, Nancy Metcalf, Wiz Bachman and Elisha Thomas. More Pic: USA's Nancy Metcalf attacking against Russia during the 2003 World Grand Prix

Gimmillaro to Receive USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award
August 28, 2003 - LONG BEACH, Calif. – Brian Gimmillaro, long-time head coach of the Long Beach State women's volleyball team, will be honored on Saturday with the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award. More


Pan American Games - Volleyball (scroll down for Beach Volleyball)
Yudelkis Bautista euphoric after election as MVP
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, August 16 2003 - Dominican Yudelkis Bautista was euphoric after her election as the Most Valuable Player of the Pan American Games women’s volleyball tournament. "I have been working so hard for many years and it is the first time I get this type of recognition," said the 194 cm-tall player. "I would like to dedicate this award to the fans, especially my mother, my sisters and my daughter." "I am feeling great physically with tremendous strength to do my job," said Bautista who finished the competition with 84 points second only to USA’s Nicole Branagh who scored a total of 87 points. Other Dominicans among the top players of the tournament were Cosiris Rodriguez as best defense and reception, Annerys Vargas as best service and blocker, and libero Evelyn Carrera. Elisabeth Fitzgerald of USA was elected the best setter and Cuban Nancy Carrillo was the best attacker. Spanish

Dominican Republic wins Pan Am gold in five-set thriller
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Aug 16, 2003 – In a giant-killer final for the gold medal match in women’s Volleyball at the Pan Am Games, the Dominican Republic scored a huge victory against Cuba to claim their first-ever Volleyball medal from this prestigious international event.
Illustrating the meaning of such a victory to the Caribbean country, the start of the match, that finally fell their way 3-2 (25-16, 25-17, 14-25, 26-28, 15-13), the start of the match was delayed for about 30 minutes while police dispersed thousands of fans trying to cram into the already packed stadium. more Spanish Pic: The Dominican team celebrate with their gold medals

Venezuela’s Harry Gomez MVP at Pan Am Tournament
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Aug. 16, 2003 -  Venezuela’s Harry Gomez was the happiest player on the court at the end of the Pan Am Games Volleyball tournament, taking home not only the gold medal, but also to be honored by being named “Most Valuable Player” after his team pulled off a sensation in the final, beating Cuba.
“To be named Most Valuable Player after winning the god medal is the icing on the cake, you can not ask for more,” Gomez said. He added that the team hard preparing for the Pan Am Games and he had told his teammates before the final that they 'still had one match to win'. “We went to the court to play as hard as we could and the outcome was that we won the gold medal. It is the first medal in the history of Venezuela in Pan Am Games and we won it through the work of the whole team,” Gomez said.

Venezuela defeats Cuba for first ever Pan Am Games Medal for the country
Santo Domingo, Aug. 16, 2003 - Venezuela gave Cuba a lesson of good volleyball and dominated in straight sets the defending champions of men's volleyball in the Pan American Games with score of 25-23, 25-18, 25-20.
Harry Gomez, who led all the scorers in the tournament with 105 points, combined with Thomas Ereu with 14 points apiece in leading the new champions. Earlier, world champions Brazil won the bronze medal with a straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 25-20) against the USA. Cuba was ahead 23-22 thanks to a smash of Tomas Aldzabal, but Venezuela came back on the shoulders of Gomez, who scored the last three points with cannon shots. more Spanish Pic: Venezuela players celebrate with their national flag

USA Men, to Battle Brazil for Pan American Bronze Medal
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 14, 2003 – After a disappointing loss to Cuba in the Pan American Games men’s Volleyball semifinals on Wednesday, Team USA are preparing for Friday's bronze medal match against the world’s No. 1 team Brazil in the Pabellon de Voleibol at Olympic Park. More

Dominican Republic versus Cuba in women's gold medal match
August 14, 2003 - An inspirational haul of 21 points from Yudelkis Bautista led the Dominican Republic’s women's team to the gold medal match against Cuba on Saturday after defeating Brazil 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 23-25, 25-14, 15-13) before a packed house of more than 6,000 fans on Thursday. In the earlier semifinal, Cuba beat USA in straight sets (25-19, 25-19, 25-21). The victory ensured the Dominican Republic would win their first ever medal in the Volleyball competition at the Pan American Games. More Spanish Pic: The Dominican Republic celebrate reaching the women's final

USA Women fall to Cuba in Semifinals
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 14, 2003 – Cuba blazed its way into the women’s Volleyball gold medal match at the Pan American Games with a 3-0 sweep of the USA women’s national Volleyball training team at the Pabellon de Voleibol at Olympic Park on Thursday. More
 

Venezuela pull of major upset defeating Brazil in semifinals
August 13, 2003 - Venezuela pulled off the shock of the men’s Volleyball tournament at the Pan American Games on Wednesday with a stunning 3-2 win over the World Champions Brazil in the semifinals to advance to the gold medal match against Cuba on Friday. Venezuela came back from 2-1 down to secure its first medal ever in Pan Am Games Volleyball. The final score was 25-20, 19-25, 22-25, 25-19, 15-12. Meanwhile, Cuba edged USA 3-2 (22-25, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 15-8) in the other semifinal. More Spanish Pic: In a duel of captains, Brazil's Nalbet spikes against Venezuela's Harry Gomez

USA Men Lose semifinal to Cuba
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Yassel Portuondo scored a team-high 17 points to lead four players in double figures as Cuba overcame a 2-1 deficit after three sets to defeat the U.S. men’s national Volleyball team, 3-2, in the Pan American Games semifinals on Wednesday. More
 

Cuba Poses Big Challenge for USA in Women's Semifinals
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic; August 13, 2003 – Thursday’s Pan American Games women's Volleyball semifinal pits three-time defending Olympic gold medalist Cuba against the U.S at the Pabellon de Voleibol at Olympic Park in a match which will determine which team will play for Pan American Gold on Saturday night. More 
 

USA Men ready for semifinal
August 12, 2003 - SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The wait is almost over for the U.S. men’s national volleyball team at the XIV Pan American Games. More

Dominican Republic and USA book women's semifinal spots
August 11, 2003 - The Dominican Republic and USA both confirmed their spots in the semifinals of the Women´s tournament on Monday after victories over Puerto Rico and Venezuela respectively. The Dominicans edged Puerto Rico in four emotional sets and will now meet Brazil on Thursday while the Americans, who outlasted Venezuela in straight sets, will face Cuba. Brazil and Cuba sealed their semifinal spots on Saturday. In an excellent on court tussle the Dominican Republic won the first two sets 25-23, 25-22 before Puerto Rico came back to take the third 25-18. More Spanish Pic: Dominican Republic's Yudelkis Bautista spikes against Puerto Rico
 
Men's Volleyball semifinalists confirmed
August 10, 2003 - Cuba will face USA and Venezuela will meet Brazil in the semifinals of the Pan American Volleyball men’s tournament following their respective victories over the Dominican Republic and Canada. Cuba beat the Dominican Republic 3-1 ( 25-18, 21-25, 25-18, 25-11) while Venezuela scored a straight sets victoy over Canada. “We were prepared for a much tougher match,” said Eliseo Ramos, the Cuban coach. “I think the way we won the first set calmed down the crowd.” Now we are going against United States and our goal is to win that match and play for the gold medal,” he added. “My team needs titles,” said Ramos. “It is a young squad that is coming off a tough World League campaign and need to accomplish some motivation goals.” More Spanish Pic: Ariel Gil of Cuba hammers past Wagner de Leon as Osmany Juantorena watches.

USA Women ready for Quarterfinals
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 10, 2003 – Following a three-day break the USA women’s national Volleyball training team returns to action on Monday night at the Pan American Games with a quarterfinal showdown against Venezuela. More
 
Volleyball resumes Sunday with quarterfinals
August 09, 2003 - The Volleyball tournament of the Pan American Games resumes this Sunday with the quarterfinals matches where Venezuela will meet Canada and Cuba faces Dominican Republic in men’s action. More

Brazil's easy victory over Cuba wraps up another day
August 08, 2003 - Brazil took another step toward the gold medal in the men’s Volleyball competition at the Pan American Games crushing Cuba 3-0 with a display of talent, ability and experience. The World Champions cruised through the first two sets dominating the Cubans 25-14, 25-17 before the defending champions presented some resistance in the final set but couldn’t overcome the big hurdle of beating the champions of the World League who prevailed 29-27. “Brazil was very tough today and my players looked tense for the first two sets,” said Eliseo Ramos, the Cuban coach. “In the third set they were more relaxed and played better Our goal now is to come back and play Brazil again for the gold but first we have to beat a couple of teams.”  More Spanish Pic: In women's action Cuba's Liana Mesa and Zoila Barros attempt to stop Yudelkis Bautista from the Dominican Republic

USA Men’s team confirm semifinals spot
August 07, 2003 - The US Men’s national team advanced unbeaten to the semifinals of the Pan American Games’ Volleyball tournament after defeating Venezuela in a tough five set battle 25-18, 25-20, 20-25, 13-25, 15-10 on Thursday.
After wining the first two sets, the Americans could only watch as Venezuela made a sensational comeback to tie the score at two sets apiece in what has been the best match of the competition so far. However, USA's big match temperament came to the fore in the tie breaker has they sealed the set and the match by five points to finish with a 3-0 record in Pool A. More SpanishPic: USA's Gabriel Gardner attacks against Venezuela

Yudelkys Bautista carries Dominican squad
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, August 6, 2003 - Yudelkys Bautista carried the Dominican Republic women's volleyball team to a 3-0 (26-24, 25-19, 25-18) victory over Venezuela in the Pan American Games scoring 13 points from 12 spikes while Annerys Valdez had 12 for the local side 2-0 in the Preliminary Round in Pool B. "I saw the team playing better volleyball tonight," said Dominican coach Jorge Garbey. "It was stronger and faster." Of the slender, 193cm Bautista he said: "Every team has a player like that who takes charge in the crucial moments. She did it tonight." "I am very happy with my performance tonight," said Bautista. "I got more involved in the match and the ball was falling in the other side." more Spanish Pic: Yudelkys Bautista goes up for the Dominican Republic

Peru score a major upset over Brazil
August 05, 2003 - The Peruvian women's team, courtesy of two stunning performances from Milagros Moy and Leyla Chihuan pulled off a major upset in defeating Brazil in five-sets 25-21, 25-16, 22-25, 15-25, 15-5 on Tuesday. More Spanish

Gardner, Billings Help USA Men Sweep Dominican Republic
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 05, 2003 – The USA men’s national volleyball team improved to 2-0 in Pan American Games pool play with 3-0 win over the Dominican Republic at the Pabellon de Voleibol at Olympic Park Tuesday night. More
 

Venezuela dispatch Barbados in less than one hour
August 05, 2003 - The Venezuelen men's national team had an easy afternoon crushing Barbados 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-18) in just 58 minutes to keep its unbeaten record in two outings. More
 

USA Women stun Puerto Rico in Five Sets
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 05, 2003 – The USA women’s national volleyball training team refused to give up and was rewarded with a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 win over Puerto Rico in Pan American Games pool play at the Pabellon de Voleibol at Olympic Park on Tuesday afternoon. More

 

Dominican Republic dominate Mexico
August 05, 2003 - The Dominican Republic women's team, one of the favorites to win a medals, beat Mexico on Tuesday in an easy 3-0 (25-23, 25-13, 25-18) affair before a crowded stadium that included the vice president of the country Milagros Ortiz Bosch. More

 

Cuba women outclass Venezuela
August 04, 2003 - The Cuban women's national team scored an easy 3-0 (25-16, 25-27, 25-17) victory over Venezuela who are making their debut in the Pan American Games. More

 

Brazilian men's team start on the right foot
August 04, 2003 - World champions Brazil, newly crowned as kings of the World League, took the first step toward another milestone after defeating Canada 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 27-25) at the Pan American Games with captain Nalbert Bitencourt and big Rodrigo Santana at the helm. More

 

Cuba defeats Puerto Rico 3-1
August 04, 2003 - Cuba defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 (31-29, 25-22, 22-25, 25-17) in the men's competition of the Pan American Games confirming its condition as a giant in the continent. The first set was a tough battle from the very beginning with strong offense from Cuba's Yasser Portuondo. With the score tied at 29-all following a big spike from Puerto Rica's Hector Soto, the serve of Rene Estevez landed in the net and Javier Gonzalez followed up with his second ace to finish the set. More

 

Venezuela wins five-set thriller over Dominicans
August 3, 2003- Harry Gomez was instrumental in a five-setter thriller where Venezuela edged the Dominican Republic 3-2 in the nightcap match of the inaugural event of men’s Volleyball tournament of the Pan American Games. More
 
 

Brazil crush USA in straight sets
August 3, 2003 - After overcoming a tough opening set the Brazilian women's team cruised to a 3-0 (30-28, 25-13, 25-18) win over USA in Pool A of the Pan American Games. The first set was a grueling fight, which typified the nature of this competition, before Brazil had three match points , one of which was used when a floating service from setter Danielle Lins provoked a mistake in USA reception. More

August 3, 2003 - USA beat Barbados in Men's competition
August 3, 2003 - USA Men Open Pan Am Games with Barbados
August 3, 2003 - USA Women Draw Brazil in opener
August 1, 2003 - Cabral to pronounce the Pan American Oath
August 1, 2003 - Puerto Rico meets Peru in opener at Pan Am Games
July 29, 2003 - USA names Men’s Pan American Games team
July 28, 2003 - Cuba aim to maintain Pan Am Games dominance
July 25, 2003 - USA Volleyball names 2003 Women’s Pan American Games team
July 22, 2003 - Brazil head to Games as absolute favorite Spanish
July 21, 2003 - Puerto Rico ready for battle
July 15, 2003 - Cuba's Cabral sees tight contest ahead
 

Pan American Cup

USA is the new Pan American champion
USA Team is the new Pan American Champion after defeating the Dominican Republic in straight sets in the gold medal match. Cuba won the bronze medal by beating Brazil also in consecutive sets. The newly crowned Americans overpowered their rivals 25-20, 25-18, 25-19, while Cuba had to battle the Brazilians in the third set finally winning 25-16, 25-19, 32-30. more Story, Roosevelt Comarazamy, Norceca Confederation Press Officer. Pic: Logan Tom drives home a spike on the way to USA gold.   Spanish


July 5, 2003-Dominican Republic advance to final
July 4, 2003-Dominican Republic & Brazil into semis Sp
July 2, 2003 -USA and Cuba into Semifinals Sp
July 2, 2003 -Venezuela and Brazil meet in q-finals Sp
July 1, 2003-Cuba survives against Mexico  Spanish
July 1, 2003-Dominicans start with style in Mexico Sp
June 30, 2003-Pan American Cup starts on Monday 
June 27, 2003-Yumilka Ruiz leads Cuba in Pan Am Cup
June 27, 2003-Puerto Rico with high hopes for Saltillo
June 26, 2003-Mexico ready for Pan Am Cup
June 26, 2003-America's fight to make 2004 Grand Prix
June 26, 2003-USA Women Depart for Pan Am Cup

 

Dominican Republic advance to final
Dominican Republic edged Cuba in a thrilling five-setter advancing to the gold medal match against USA in the Women's Pan American Cup being played in Saltillo, Mexico. The Dominicans came from behind to erase a 0-2 deficit and won an agonizing tie-breaker 17-15 before an almost capacity crowd that clearly was in favor of the Cubans. The score was 24-26, 23-25, 25-25-21, 25-16, 17-15. more Pic: Dominican team celebrate entry into finals. Story, Roosevelt Comarazamy, Norceca confederaiton Press Office


USA Men Beat Canada for Seventh-Straight Win
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada – Riley Salmon scored 16 points to lead four players in double figures as the U.S. men's national volleyball team defeated Canada in five sets Thursday night at the University of Manitoba' Investors Group Athletic Centre. br> Salmon (League City, Texas) had 12 kills, three blocks and one service ace in the 25-18, 15-25, 25-21, 30-32, 15-9 win, the finale of a three- match series between the two teams.
The United States won all three matches, winning in five sets on Monday July 14 and in three sets last night. more
 

Canada misses out on Berth to 2004 World Grand Prix
Winnipeg, Canada, July 4, 2003 - Canada's National Women’s Volleyball Team took on 15th ranked Dominican Republic last night at the Pan American Cup in Saltillo, Mexico with hopes of making it to the top four of the tournament and a spot at the 2004 World Grand Prix, until a straight sets 21-25, 20-25, 15-25d efeat at the hands of the Dominican Repubic shattered their hopes. more
 

Dominican Republic and Brazil into the semis
July 4 Dominican Republic and Brazil booked places in next year World Grand Prix by advancing to the semifinal phase in the Women’s Pan American Cup being played in Saltillo, Mexico. The Dominicans defeated Canada in straights sets and Brazil also did the same against Venezuela. Dominican Republic meet Cuba and Brazil go against USA in the semis, while Canada and Venezuela will be battling for the fifth position. more Spanish Pic: Top action continues as Pan am cup draws to a close. Story by Confederation Press Officer for NORCECA Roosevelt Comarazamy

 

Venezuela and Brazil to meet in quarterfinals
July 2, 2003 - Venezuela booked a quarterfinal showdown with Brazil in the Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Mexico 3-1 on Wednesday, sending the hosts Mexico into a seventh place playoff with Puerto Rico. The two-hour contest ended with score of 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 25-21 before a crowd of around 5,000 partisan fans in the Convention Center of Coahuila. More  Spanish
Pic: Migdalel Ruiz of Mexico attacks 
Story by Confederation Press Officer for NORCECA Roosevelt Comarazamy

 

USA and Cuba into Semifinals
July 2, 2003 - United States and Cuba secured berths in the semifinal round and also a place in the 2004 World Grand Prix after finishing unbeaten in the preliminary round of the Second Women’s Pan American Cup being played in Saltillo, Mexico. USA beat Canada 3-0 and Cuba defeated Dominican Republic also 3-0. In finishing at the top of their Pools with 3-0 record, both squads will be for sure one of the top four teams in this tournament qualifying for next year’s premier of FIVB women annual event. more  Spanish Pic: Big defence from USA
 

Cuba survives against Mexico
July 2, 2003 - Defending champions Cuba held on for their second victory in the Pan American Women’s Cup after seeing off the home side Mexico in three sets 25-19, 27-25, 25-23 before more than 4,500 fans in the Coahuila Convention Center. The Cubans easily took the first set with the cannon spikes of ace Yumilka Ruiz and Martha Sanchez and the overall performance of Zoila Barros and Yanelis Santos. More Spanish 
Story by Confederation Press Officer for NORCECA Roosevelt Comarazamy. 
Pic: Martha Sanchez succesfully spikes against the Mexican blockade.

 

Dominicans start with style in Mexico
July 1, 2003 - The Dominican Republic started the second women's Pan American Cup on the right foot with a convincing straight sets victory over hosts Mexico on the opening day before a packed crowd in the Convention Center of Coahuila. Led by the attack of Milagros Cabral, the Dominicans cruised to a confortable 25-21, 25-19, 25-16 win. “They went out determined to do well,” said new coach Jorge Garbey. “I have given them enough confidence and today it paid dividends”. More   Spanish 
Story by  confederation Press Officer for NORCECA Roosevelt Comarazamy,
Pic: Dominicans Milagros Cabral (10) & Annerys Valdez block the attack of Bibi Candelas

 

Pan American Cup starts June 30, with four matches 
The Second Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup starts Monday, June 30 with four matches in Saltillo, Mexico. Eight teams of the Americas will be battling to gain four available places in next year World Grand Prix. The top South American squad will also qualify if one does not finish in the top four. All the games will be played at The Convention Center of  Coahuila with the first encounter featuring Puerto Rico against Canada while USA entertains Brasil in Group A. Cuba meets Venezuela and Mexico faces Dominican Republic in Group B. more

Canada launches season with a trip to Pan American Cup
The National Women's Volleyball Team begins their 2003 season next week as they compete in the Pan American Cup in Saltillo, Mexico from June 30th to July 5th. The tournament, which is a qualification tournament for the 2004 World Grand Prix, plays host to the top eight ranked national teams in the Americas. more

 

Brian Gimmillaro Named All-Time Great Coach by USA Volleyball
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado. - Long Beach State University women's volleyball head coach Brian Gimmillaro is this year's recipient of the USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award.
In receiving the 2003 Donald S. Shondell Contemporary Division Award, Gimmillaro joins the company of the best volleyball coaches in history, including previous Olympic coaches as well as a few of his peers. The award is presented each year by USA Volleyball, the National Governing Body of the sport, to recognize the all-time great coaches of Volleyball.

 

Dominican Republic goes to Pan American Cup under new coach Garbey
Under the guidance of new head coach Cuban Jorge Garbey, the Dominican Republic Team go to Saltillo, Mexico aiming for a top-four finish in the Second Women s Pan American Cup, an official event of the NORCECA Confederation starting next Monday. Garbey, who was assistant coach of the Cuban National Team, replaces Jorge Perez Vento who was dismissed following the last World Championship in Germany after an eight year tenure. It was a loss to Puerto Rico in Germany that sparked Perez Vento's replacement. He is a former Cuban star with Dominican nationality. Spanish

 

USA's Setter announces her retirement
COLORADO SPRINGS – Setter Jen Flynn, who helped guide the USA women’s national volleyball team to a silver medal at the 2002 World Championships in Germany, has retired from the sport effective immediately.
“I just decided that I needed a change,” admitted Flynn. “I am ready to move on in my life, and volleyball is not a part of that.”
Flynn (Pittsburgh, Pa./Ohio State) joined the national team last summer after being a part of the United States Professional Volleyball league (USPV) for three seasons. In her last season with the USPV she was the starting setter for the Grand Rapids Force in Michigan. Pan American Cup. more Pic: Jen Flynn (No. 12) a key member of the silver medalist US team from the 2002 World Championship

 

Yumilka Ruiz leads Cuba in Pan Am Cup 
June 27, 2003 - Distinguished as a scorer and attacker during the 2002 World Championship in Germany, Yumilka Ruiz heads the Cuban national team that will be defending the crown of the second women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup to be played in Saltillo, Mexico, from June 28-July 5. More 
Pic: The form of Yumilka Ruiz will hold the key to Cuba's hopes

 

Puerto Rico with high hopes for Saltillo
June 27, 2003 - The Puerto Rican women's team is hoping to continue its big improvement on the world stage with a top three finish at the Pan American Games, in Saltillo, México, which runs from June 30-July 5. More Pic: Aury Cruz (spiking) is one of Puerto Rico's star players

June 26, 2003 - Mexico ready for Pan Am Cup
June 26, 2003 - America’s fight to make 2004 World Grand Prix
June 26, 2003 – USA Women Depart for Pan American Cup


 

Archives

May 21, 2003 - NORCECA votes to adopt FIVB Code of Conduct    Spanish/French/German
May 22, 2003 - USA Volleyball awards night
May 15, 2003 - McGown Joins USA Men's Team as a Consultant
May 15, 2003 - Dominicans prepare for Pan Am Games
May 15, 2003 - USA Men confirm pre-season tour against Korea
May 01, 2003 - USA Women's Training Team play for places    Spanish
Mexicali Centenial Cup  
Cuba wins Mexicali Cup 
Dom. Republic upsets USA 
Cuba defeats Mexico 
USA still unbeaten in Mexicali 
USA Women's team
Cuba overpowers Mexico 
USA stops Cuba in Mexicali 
Mexico defeats Dominican Republic  
More results from Mexicali  
Logan Tom - Brazilian Superliga 
 

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