Dominican Republic won the gold medal at Women’s Pan Am Cup

Argentina won the bronze at Pan Am Cup

USA defeated Venezuela in five sets to finish fifth

Peru finished in the seventh position

Dominican Republic will meet Brazil in the final match

Costa Rica finished in ninth position

Brazil advanced to the finals and to the World Grand Prix

USA qualified to World Grand Prix

Venezuela defeated Canada in five sets 

Puerto Rico is in the semi finals

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 5, 2008.- Aury Cruz and Karina Ocasio sent Puerto Rico to a four set victory over USA and for the first time to the semi finals of the Women’s Pan American Cup. The score was 21-25, 32-34, 14-24, 25-18.

In making the final four phase, Puerto Rico also claimed a ticket for the 2009 World Grand Prix. Cruz scored 25 points and Ocasio was one step lower with 24. Sarai Alvarez added 14.

Kristin Richards led USA with 15 points, Cynthia Barboza and Tracy Stalls contributed 13 apiece and Alexis Crimes had 11 points. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 5, 2008.- Venezuela relied on its strength to defeat Mexico in four sets (25-27, 25-16, 25-19, 25-19) in a match of the consolation round for the 5-10 positions of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

Desiree Glod had 19 points and Yessica Paz and Jayce Andrade each had 14 for Venezuela and Maria Jose Perez and Roslandy Acosta added 8 apiece. Martha Revueltas led Mexico with 11 points.“We recovered after losing the second set and used our strength to win this match against a resilient Mexican team who fought every point,” More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 5, 2008.- Argentina edged Canada in five exciting sets and advanced to the final four phase of the Women’s Pan American Cup. The score was 22-25, 26-24, 25-14, 21-25, 15-13.

Leticia Boscacci was the best Argentinean scorer with 19 points followed closely by the 18 of Georgina Pinedo. Georgina Klug and Sabrina Segui added 11 and 10 respectively. Canadian Tammy Mahon led all the scorers of the match with 22 tallies while Ashley Voth and Tiffany Dodds contributed 18 and 17 points respectively.           

The opponent of Argentina in the semi finals will be determined by the outcome of the match between USA and Puerto Rico. If USA wins, the South Americans will meet the Dominican Republic, but if the winner is Puerto Rico,   More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 5, 2008.- Peru defeated Costa Rica in straight sets 25-15, 25-19, 25-13 in the first match of the consolation round for the 5-to-10 positions in the Women’s Pan American Cup.

Mirtha Uribe and Jessenia Uceda had 10 points apiece for Peru and Patricia Soto added 8. Verania Willis led Costa Rica with 9 points.

Peru relied on the speed of its attacks to dominate the Central American squad as the losing coach admitted in the press conference.

“We need to work in our reception,” said Chico Dos Santos, the Peruvian coach. “When we get to improve that, we can be even faster.”More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 5, 2008.- Cuba qualified in the eleventh position of the Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets by score of 25-14, 25-12, 25-14.

The blocking of Cuba was the key for the victory as they scored 12 points defending the net against 3 of their opponents. Yohana Palacios led Cuba with 13 points, Gyselle Silva added 8 and Liannes Castaneda and Yusleini Herrera each had 6. Malika Charles had 6 for Trinidad & Tobago. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 3, 2008.- Brazil beat Cuba in straight sets (25-20, 25-11, 25-16) and completed its participation in the preliminary round of the Women’s Pan American Cup with a perfect record in Pool B. The Brazilians advanced directly to the semi final round and qualified to the 2009 World Grand Prix.

The first set was the most disputed of the match with the Cubans leading up to the second technical time-out (16-15).  More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 3, 2008.- Canada used its best weapon to claim a 3-0 victory over Peru securing a second place in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup. The score was 25-20, 25-12, 25-18.

The match was one-sided since the beginning with Canada establishing its strong blocking led by Sherline Holness, Tiffany Dodds and Nadine Alphonse.

Tammy Mahon led Canada with 17 points, Holness had 13 and Ashley Voth added 11. Patricia Soto was the best Peruvian with 8 tallies.

The Peruvians battled for moments thanks to the offense of Soto and Yesenia Uceda, but the game of Canada did not let them many opportunities..  More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 3, 2008.- Puerto Rico downed Venezuela in straight sets 25-17, 25-21, 25-12 advancing to the quarterfinals round of the Women’s Pan American Cup. The rival of Puerto Rico on Thursday is still to be determined.

Sarai Alvarez was the leading scorer of Puerto Rico with 10 points while Maria Jose Perez had 9 for Venezuela. The Puerto Ricans finished with a 3-2 record while Venezuela fell to 1-4.

The Puerto Ricans dominated for most of the match, with Venezuela showing flashes of brilliance halfway of the second set. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 3, 2008.- Bethania de la Cruz came from the bench and led the Dominican Republic to a spectacular victory over Mexico in straight sets by score of 25-19, 25-15, 25-7 and conclude atop of Pool A in the Women’s Pan American Cup.

The victory enabled the Dominican side to finish with a point-ratio of 1.301 which was better than the 1.287 of USA and Argentina’s 1.232. Those three teams ended with 4-1 record. By advancing to the semi final round, they also gained a ticket to the 2009 World Grand Prix. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 3, 2008.- Argentina defeated Costa Rica in straight sets but ended short off first place in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup. The score was 25-15, 25-7, 25-15.

The Argentineans finished with 4-1 record -the same as USA- but their points-ratio was 1.232 compared to 1.287 of USA who earlier crushed Trinidad & Tobago.

Ileana Leyendeker, Georgina Klug and Georgina Pinedo finished in double figures for Argentina with 14, 11 and 10 respectively. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 3, 2008.- USA finished the preliminary round in rPool A of the Pan American Cup with a 4-1 record and a points-ratio of 1.287 by defeating Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets 25-11, 25-11, 25-14 on Tuesday.

Two other teams –Dominican Republic and Argentina- still have chances of leading the group and advance directly to the semi final phase. In their five matches, the Americans scored 408 points and allowed 317.

Cynthia Barboza had 12 points for USA and Alexis Crimes and Alexandra Klineman contributed 10 apiece. Rheeza Grant had 10 for the losing team.

“This is a young team by age number but they have a lot of experience and they play very well,” said veteran libero Stacy Sykora.  More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 2, 2008.- Brazil is still unbeaten in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup with one match to play in the preliminary round. The Brazilians defeated Peru 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-22) on Monday.

Juliana Valengo and Natalia Martins each had 14 points for Brazil and Natalia Pereira added 10. Carla Rueda and Patricia Soto were the best attackers for Peru with 11 and 10 respectively.

“It was a helluva match for our team against a great Peruvian squad,” said Luizomar Moura. “I am looking forward to play against Cuba in our match of tomorrow.”.  More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 2, 2008.-  Canada attained its third victory in Pool B by defeating Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-16, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20).

The Canadians have a 3-1 mark while Puerto Rico suffered its second loss in a row and are evened at 2-2.

Tammy Mahon (17), Ashley Voth (14), Dayna Jansen (10) and Sheline Holness (10) were the best Canadians. Karina Ocasio (20), Aury Cruz (13) and Shanon Torregrosa (12) led Puerto Rico.

The solid blocking of Canada was the key to score points and organize its counter attacks. The errors of Puerto Rico added to the good performance of the North Americans. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 2, 2008.- Venezuela took advantage of the mistakes of its opponent and dominated Cuba 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-22) in the first match of Pool B in the Pan American Cup. The loss left Cuba out of the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix for the first time in the history of the event.

Venezuela had effective and clutch attacks from middle blocker Jessica Paz along with the usual quota of its attackers Desiree Glod and Jayce Andrade.

Glod and Andrade had 12 and 11 points respectively and Aleoscar Blanco contributed 10. Yusleini Herrera led Cuba with 14. More Spanish 

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 2, 2008.- USA defeated Mexico in straight sets in the last match of Pool A on  Monday. The Americans improved to 3-1 after their victory by score of 25-18, 25-22, 25-14.

Kristin Richards was the best American with 10 points and Tracy Stalls added 8. Cynthia Barboza had 7 and Heather Hughes and Alexis Crimes each contributed 6. Mexicans Martha Revueltas and Migdalel Ruiz had 14 and 11 points respectively.

“Mexico played great defense,” said Tom Hogan. “We continue to make many unforced errors and will keep working to correct those failures.”

“I think this is the best match we have played in this competition,” said Luis Leon. More Spanish 

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 2, 2008.- Argentina upset Dominican Republic in four sets (15-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-22) and both teams are now tied with 3-1 record in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

Georgina Pinedo and Leticia Boscacci led a balanced Argentinean offensive with 12 and 10 points, while Ileana Leyendeker and Yamila Nizetich each contributed 8 points. More Spanish

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

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

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

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- Mexico achieved its second victory in Pool A of the Pan American Cup by defeating Trinidad & Tobago in four sets (25-23, 25-14, 20-25, 25-14).

Martha Revueltas was the star of Mexico with 18 points, followed by Migdalel Ruiz, Zaira Orellana and Carolina Carranza with 12, 10 and 9 tallies. Trinidadian Krystle Estelle also had 18 points to lead her side while Carleen Williams and Rheeza Grant added 14 and 9 respectively. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- USA defeated Argentina 3-0 in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup and both teams have a 2-1 record. The Americans won by score of 25-16, 25-18, 30-28.

Tracy Stalls had 5 blocks and a total of 16 points to lead USA, while Kristin Richards and Alexis Crimes had 11 apiece. Heather Hughes and Cynthia Barboca each added 7 tallies. Georgina Pinedo and Natalia Espinoza had 10 and 9 respectively for Argentina. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- Milagros Cabral and Sidarka Nunez smashed and blocked sending Dominican Republic to a 3-0 record in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup after blanking Costa Rica 25-15, 25-17, 25-19.

Cabral had 15 points, including three blocks, and Nunez scored 12 with half of her points coming defending at the net. Karen Cope had 10 points for Costa Rica who fell to a 0-3 record. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- Peru took advantage of the error plagued performance of its opponent and defeated Cuba in straight sets by score of 26-24, 25-14, 25-16. Peru is now 2-1 after three days of action in Pool B, while Cuba is 0-3.

Patricia Soto, Carla Rueda and Mirtha Uribe led the winners with 12, 11 and 10 points respectively. Yaima Ortiz was the best Cuban with 10. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- Brazil remained as the only unbeaten team in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup after defeating Puerto Rico in straight sets by score of 25-20, 25-14, 25-14.

The Brazilians relied on a good control of their blocking with 13 positives –five by Adenizia Da Silva- and a great performance by the setter Danielle Lins Rodrigues and the libero Camila Brait.

Brazil had four players in double figures with Juliana de Castro leading the way with 15. Regiane Bidias, Natalia Pereira and Da Silva chipped in 12,11 and 10 respectively. Karina Ocasio was the best Puerto Rican with 10. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, June 1, 2008.- Canada used the size advantage at the net to defeat Venezuela 25-20, 25-21, 25-22 with superb blocking in the first match of Pool B in the Women’s Pan American Cup. The Canadians outscored their rivals in blocking 18-0.

Tiffany Dodds and Tammy Mahon led Canada with 16 and 11 points respectively.  More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, May 31, 2008.- Brazil defeated Canada 3-1 keeping an unbeaten record in Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup, a qualifier to the 2009 World Grand Prix.

The Brazilians, who blanked Venezuela on Friday, won by score of 25-14, 23-25, 25-13, 25-13. Canada, who prevailed in five sets against Cuba on the opening night, is now 1-1.

On Sunday, Brazil plays against Puerto Rico in a battle of teams with perfect records.  More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, May 31, 2008.- Defending champions Cuba suffered its second consecutive loss in Pool B of the Pan American Cup this time to the hands of Puerto Rico who improved to a 2-0 record. The match played before 1,500 spectators finished 20-25, 25-16, 25-16, 25-16.

The Puerto Ricans enjoyed another masterful offensive night from Karina Ocasio, with the support of Aury Cruz, who provided key points in attack and clutch defense.More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, May 31, 2008.- Peru held off Venezuela and won in five sets in the first match of Pool B of the Women’s Pan American Cup on Saturday.

It was some kind of consolation triumph for the Peruvians (22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 20-25, 15-11) who avenged the loss suffered to Venezuela in the South American Olympic Qualifier won by the latter earlier this year. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 31, 2008.- Argentina improved to 2-0 record in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup following its 3-0 victory over host Mexico on Saturday. The score was 25-16, 25-18, 25-16.

The taller Argentineans dominated the game at the net and enjoyed an easy night despite the effort of the resilient Mexican team.

Ileana Leyendeker and Leticia Bocacci each had 11 points for Argentina with Leyendeker totalling four blocks. Yamila Nizetich contributed 9 points. Migdalel Ruiz and Martha Revueltas had 10 and 8 points respectively for Mexico.

“I think the key for the victory of Argentina was the service game that allowed them to block very well,” said Luis Leon, the Mexican coach. “That was the difference.”More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 31, 2008.- Dominican Republic blanked Trinidad & Tobago 25-12, 25-17, 25-17 to improve its win-loss record to 2-0 in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

Milagros Cabral and Prisilla Rivera were the best scorers for Dominican Republic with 13 and 11 points respectively. Krystle Estelle led the Trinidadians with 9 points. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 31, 2008.- USA recovered from a painful loss in five sets to the Dominican Republic one night earlier and beat Costa Rica in straight sets (25-20, 25-10, 27-25) to even its record at 1-1 in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

Alexis Crimes led USA with 12 points and Cynthia Barboza added 10. Karen Cope was the best Costa Rican with 13 points. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Mexico came from behind to defeat Costa Rica in five sets to close the first day of action in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

The young Mexican squad won the first set only to see Costa Rica reacting to take the next two. Captain Martha Revueltas led the come back and finally the host team won by score of 25-19, 21-25, 23-25, 25-19, 15-10.

 More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Sidarka Nunez scored five of her 37 points in the fifth set leading the Dominican Republic to a victory over USA by score of 20-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-23, 15-8 in Pool A of the Women’s Pan American Cup.

Dominican Milagros Cabral had 17 points including five blocks, and Cindy Rondon and Annerys Vargas added 14 and 10 respectively.

Alexis Crimes was the best American with 22 tallies and Tracy Stalls added 17 including 6 blocks. Cynthia Barboza had 10 and Kristin Richards and Heather Hughes each had 9.More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Argentina scored an easy victory over Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets by score of 25-13, 25-17, 25-16 in the first match of Pool A in the Women’s Pan American Cup.

The young Argentineans dominated the even younger and less experienced Trinidadians in all aspects of the game and coach Horacio Bastit had the chance to use all his players.

Ileana Leyendeker led Argentina with 8 points and Natali Flaviani and Yamila Nizetich added 7 and 6 respectively. Taila de Souza, Krystle Esdelle and Rheeza Grant each had 7 for Trinidad & Tobago. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Canada took advantage of an erratic night by Cuba  combined with a big offensive job of Tammy Mahon and Emely Cordonier and won in five sets in the nightcap of Pool B.

The Canadians defeated the four-time champions of the Pan American Cup by score of 20-25, 25-19, 21-25, 25-12, 17-15.

Cuba started dominating the match and looked like it was going to be an easy night, but the Canadians never gave up and kept their composure although the Cubans took the first set. Canada had a strong reaction in the next two sets and dominated in the fourth. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Puerto Rico took advantage of its blocking and offense to dominate Peru 3-0 in the second match of Pool B. The score was 25-20, 25-17, 25-21.

The Puerto Ricans benefited from the Peruvian’s errors in their reception to build a comfortable lead in the first set. The South Americans started dominating the first part of the second set only to see their rivals to overcome the deficit with the effective attacks of Aury Cruz and Karina Ocasio. More Spanish

TIJUANA, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Brazil started its participation in the Women’s Pan American Cup with a triumph over Venezuela in straight sets by score of 25-11, 25-21, 25-19 in Pool B.

The stronger attacks of Brazilians Natalia Pereira and Regiane Bidias were the difference in the first and third sets when the winners dominated from start to finish.

Pereira led Brazil with 18 points and Jayce Andrade was the best for Venezuela with 10 tallies. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 30, 2008.- Twelve women’s teams from the Americas start today competing in the Seventh Pan American Cup, the first qualifier to the FIVB 2009 World Grand Prix.

The top four teams, including the highest ranked of South America, win tickets to participate in the next year’s premier annual women’s event of FIVB. Cuba has won this tournament in four occasions with USA and Brazil having one title apiece. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 29, 2008.- Cuba has been the dominant team in the history of the Women's Pan American Cup winning the gold medal in four of the six previous tournaments. USA and Brazil have won the other two competitions.

The seventh edition of this intercontinental competition is scheduled to start on Friday 30 in the cities of Mexicali and Tijuana, Baja California.

This is the fifth time, including the first three, that Mexico is hosting the event. Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico were the organizers of the fourth and fifth editions.

Dominican Republic has been vice champions in three occasions and finished third in three other times. More Spanish

MEXICALI, Baja California, May 29, 2008.- Twelve women’s teams from NORCECA and South America start on Friday 30 the Seventh Pan American Cup, a qualifier to the 2009 FIVB World Grand Prix.

USA, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and host Mexico will be competing in Pool A in Mexicali, while Cuba, Brazil, Canada, Peru, Venezuela and Puerto Rico will play in Pool B in Tijuana.

The matches of the Pan American Cup will be available on TV via internet through Media Sports TV. (For more information you can contact (www.mediasports.tv). More Spanish

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, May 27, 2008.- The future of U.S. Women's National Volleyball will be showcased during the Pan American Cup, the 2008 season-opening event for Team USA, held May 30-June 7 at Mexicali and Tijuana, Mexico.

While the future will be displayed, some of the American players will also be evaluated for one of 12 roster spots at the 2008 Olympic Games. The future may be now for some of these athletes.  More Spanish