MIAMI, Florida, July 4, 2009.- Dominican Republic’s Bethania de la Cruz was honored Saturday night as the most valuable player and best server of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup being held at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center since June 26.

De la Cruz led Dominican Republic to the silver medal of the tournament and was the event’s second-leading scorer with 108 points, including a tournament-leading 0.83 service ace average and 20 aces. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 4, 2009.- Olympic champions Brazil claimed its second crown in the history of the Women’s Pan American Cup by scoring a convincing straight set victory over Dominican Republic in the gold medal match at University of Miami on Saturday. The score was 25-18, 25-20, 25-14.

The previous Brazilian title in the event was in 2006 when the competition took place in Puerto Rico. Dominican Republic was the defending tournament champion. The Brazilians’ serves and subsequent blocking.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 4, 2009.- Aurea Cruz hammered a match-high 27 points and Sarai Alvarez added 20 of her own leading Puerto Rico to a  25-22, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20 victory over USA and claiming the bronze medal of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup held at University of Miami.

It is the first medal for Puerto Rico in the history of the competition with its best finish being a fourth place in last year’s edition. Sheila Ocasio and Yarimar Rosa each contributed 8 points to the victory of Puerto Rico which outscored USA 61-48.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 4, 2009.- Peru held off a resilient Argentina team prevailing 27-25, 25-20, 16-25, 19-25, 17-15 in a titanic five-setter for fifth place of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup between two traditional South American rivals.

The match was a preview of the expected clash between the same two sides scheduled for three weeks later in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on July 22-26 where both teams most likely will be disputing the second place and a ticket to the 2010 FIVB Women’s World Championship. Hosts Brazil will be a heavy favorite in the competition with Venezuela as the fourth team competing for a berth in Japan. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 4, 2009.- Canada swept Costa Rica 25-20, 25-13, 25-19 in the seventh place match of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup, a qualifier to next year’s FIVB World Grand Prix being held at the University of Miami.

The taller Canadians out-blocked their opponents 13-6 while the sides finished tied 5-5 in the aces category.

Tiffany Dodds topped Canada with 16 points including three blocks and one ace. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 4, 2009.- Trinidad & Tobago defeated Guatemala 25-15, 25-16, 25-22 in the ten place match on the final day of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup being held at the University of Miami.

Krystle Esdelle paced Trinidad & Tobago with a match-high 21 points including 17 kills, three aces and a block. Jalica Ross and Kelly-Anne Billingy added nine points apiece in the victory. Susana Alvarado Gomez was credited with eight points for Guatemala, which finished Eleven. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 3, 2009.- Olympic champions Brazil came back from one set down to defeat world second ranked USA in the semi finals of the Eight Women’s Pan American Cup at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

After losing the opening frame in a well fought battle, the Brazilians finally put everything together and displayed all their weapons the rest of the way to win by score of 22-25, 25-22, 25-19, 25-14. The victory sends Brazil to.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 3, 2009.- The Dominican Republic made a sensational comeback to beat Puerto Rico in a five-set thriller advancing to the gold medal match of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup.

The defending champions recovered from two sets down and a four-point deficit (18-14) in the third frame to secure their fifth appearance in the finals of this qualifier to the FIVB World Grand Prix. The score was 34-36, 22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 15-9. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 3, 2009.- Argentina defeated Costa Rica in straight sets by score of 25-22, 25-22, 25-16 and will play Peru on Saturday for the fifth place in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup.

The Argentineans had to come from behind against a resilient opponent during the first two sets of the match but easily dominated in the third one. Georgina Pinedo and Georgina Klug led Argentina with 13 and 11 points respectively and Leticia Boscacci and Florencia Busquets added nine apiece. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 3, 2009.- Peru defeated Canada 3-1 (29-27, 25-13, 16-25, 25-21) advancing to a match for the fifth position in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup being held at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

The Peruvians, who outscored their rivals 6-1 in the aces category but were overmatched 13-6 by their taller opponents in the blocking department, next play the winner of the Argentina vs. Costa Rica match scheduled for later on Friday. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 3, 2009.- Mexico rallied from a 2-1 set deficit and 5-2 deficit in the fifth set to defeat Trinidad & Tobago 18-25, 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13 Friday to capture ninth place in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup being played at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Trinidad & Tobago will play Guatemala on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. ET for 10th and 11th position. Mexico captain Migdalel Ruiz and Olivia Meza had matching 14 points for the winners, while Martha Revuelta charted 12 points for Mexico. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 2, 2009.- Puerto Rico defeated Argentina 25-18, 17-25, 25-19, 25-19, claiming a semi final round ticket to play Friday afternoon against Dominican Republic in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Aurea Cruz recorded a match-high 24 points for Puerto Rico while Yarimar Rosa and Sarai Alvarez added 18 and 17 respectively. Georgina Pinedo and Leticia Boscacci were the best Argentinean scorers producing 13 and 12 points. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 2, 2009.- Reigning Olympic champions Brazil swept Peru  25-11, 25-19, 25-14 in a battle of South American teams and moved to a semi final match against United States Friday night in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

The defeat dropped the Peruvians to the 5-8 positions round where they will compete against Canada, Costa Rica and the loser of the Argentina-Puerto Rico match. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 2, 2009.- Costa Rica swept Trinidad & Tobago 25-15, 25-15, 25-18 and advanced to the 5-8 positions round of the Eight Women’s Pan American Cup. In that stage of the tournament they will compete with Canada and the losing teams of the quarter finals phase.

Trinidad & Tobago will face Mexico in a match for the ninth position on Friday at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center. Siblings Angela and Verania Willis paced the Costa Rican attack with 16 and 13 points.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, July 2, 2009.- Canada prevailed in a tough five-set battle with Mexico advancing to the 5-8 positions round of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup being held at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center. The match lasted 1 hour and 49 minutes and the score was 23-25, 25-14, 25-17, 20-25, 15-12.

The loss dropped Mexico to a match for the ninth position on Friday against the loser of the Costa Rica vs. Trinidad and Tobago later on Thursday. Captain Tammy Mahon produced 18 points for Canada. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 30, 2009.- Bethania de la Cruz tallied eight of her match-high 26 points in the tie-breaker leading the Dominican Republic to a thrilling victory over Olympic champions Brazil by score of 25-23, 19-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-13 Tuesday night at U.S. Century Bank Arena in Florida International University.

The win earned Dominican Republic a direct ticket to the semi final round of the competition, a qualifier to next year’s FIVB World Grand Prix. The Brazilians will meet Peru in the quarterfinals of Thursday. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 30, 2009.- The United States edged Puerto Rico 25-15, 25-20, 24-26, 25-23 in an emotional battle of unbeaten teams on Tuesday evening during the final day of five consecutive pool play matches during the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.
  
 U.S. (5-0), as the winner of Pool A, earns an automatic berth into the semifinal round on July 3. In addition, the Americans earned a berth in to the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix with the victory and semifinal berth.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 30, 2009.- Costa Rica downed Mexico in a tight three-set match 25-23, 25-22, 25-22 to finish in fourth place of Pool A in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup held at BankUnited Center of University of Miami.

Costa Rica ends Pool A with a 2-3 win-loss record and meets Trinidad & Tobago on July 1. Meanwhile Mexico falls to 1-4 and fifth place on Pool A and next plays against Canada on Thursday. Costa Rican captain Verania Willis hammered 14 kills with three blocks and two aces en route to a 19 points night.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 30, 2009.- Canada claimed its first victory in Pool B of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup by defeating Trinidad & Tobago 25-21, 25-10, 25-23 in the final day of preliminary pool-play round at U.S. Century Bank Arena of Florida International University.

The Trinidadians slowed down in the latter stages of set one after leading for the most part of it and came alive again at the end of set three against the more experienced Canadians. The winners held advantages of 10-4 and 8-4 in blocks.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 30, 2009.- Peru topped Guatemala 25-9, 25-13, 25-15 Tuesday afternoon during the final day of five consecutive pool play matches during the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Peru finishes Pool A in third place with a 3-2 record and advances to the quarterfinal round on July 2. Guatemala completes Pool A with a 0-5 record and next will compete for 11^th place on July 4. Carla Ortiz led Peru with 15 points, while its captain Leyla Chihuan added 12 points. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 29, 2009.- The United States (4-0) defeated Peru (2-2) 25-22, 25-21, 26-24 on Monday evening during the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

The victory sets up a key match between undefeated USA and Puerto Rico on the final day of pool play. The USA-Puerto Rico winner will automatically advance to the tournament’s second round and have two days to prepare as July 1 is an off day in the schedule and pool winners receive a bye on July 2. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 29, 2009.- Argentina defeated Canada 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-17 and finished with a 2-2 win-loss record in Pool B of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup. The victory granted Argentina the group’s third position and a ticket to the quarter finals phase.

Georgina Pineda led Argentina with 23 points and Leticia Boscacci added 14 tallies. Tonya Mokelki had 12 points for Canada and Tammy Mahon and Nadine Alphonse each contributed eleven tallies. “In every international competition we go, it’s very important to test our team against teams like Canada. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 29, 2009.- Puerto Rico remained undefeated in four outings during the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a 25-21, 25-18, 25-11 victory over Costa Rica (1-3) at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Aurea Cruz tallied a match-high 14 points for Puerto Rico and she was aided on the scoreboard by Sarai Alvarez and Yarimar Rosa, who each contributed nine points. Sheila Ocasio turned in seven points in the victory. Costa Rica was led by Verania Willis’ nine points, while Angela Willis added seven points. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 29, 2009.- Brazil defeated Trinidad and Tobago in straight sets 25-11, 25-14, 25-9 to tie with Dominican Republic for first place in Pool B of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup. The winner of Tuesday’s match between these two teams will decide the winner of the group and the automatic ticket to the semi final round.

Brazil (3-0) out-blocked its opponent 13-2 during the match which lasted 57 minutes. Caroline Gattaz led Brazil with 13 points, including six blocks and Adenizia Silva added 11 with three blocks. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 29, 2009.- Mexico (1-3) topped Guatemala (0-4) 25-23, 25-12, 25-21 Monday afternoon during the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Mexico captain Migdalel Ruiz came off the bench to score a match-high 17 points with 11 kills, three blocks and three aces. Martha Revuelta added 13 points and Olivia Meza chipped in 11. Maria A. Estrada Santizo and Rut Beatriz Gomes Guzman tallied eight points. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.- Brazil defeated Argentina in Pool B third day of action in the Eighth Pan American Cup, but it was not an easy victory as the Olympic champions had to battle hard against their South American neighbors before prevailing by score of 26-24, 18-25, 25-13, 25-18.

After their slow start the Brazilians went into their usual rhythm and dominated the Argentineans for the last two sets. The Beijing gold medalists outscored their counterparts 23-4 in the blocking department for the match. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.- The United States maintained its lead in Pool A of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a convincing 25-19, 25-14, 25-11 victory over Mexico Sunday evening at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Nancy Metcalf scored a match-high 20 points for the U.S., which included 16 kills, three blocks and an ace. Danielle Scott-Arruda and Jordan Larsen each recorded 11 points in the victory. Mexico (0-3) was led by captain Migdalel Ruiz and Martha Revuelta, who each racked up nine points. Olivia Meza chipped in four points in the loss. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.- Puerto Rico defeated Peru 25-17, 25-19, 25-23 on the third day of Pool A action of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup Sunday evening at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center. Both teams entered the contest with 2-0 records.

Puerto Rico (3-0) featured three players in double-figure scoring with Aurea Cruz leading with 12 points via nine kills, two aces and a block. Sarai Alvarez and Alexandra Oquendo each added 11 points in the victory. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.- Dominican Republic improved its Pool B win-loss record to 3-0 following the straight set victory 25-6, 25-7, 25-14 over Trinidad & Tobago in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the Florida International University’s U.S. Century Bank on Sunday.

“It was a good opportunity to use all my players and to get them in the rhythm of the game because we are going to need all of them against Brazil,” said Marcos Kwiek, the coach of Dominican Republic. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 28, 2009.- Costa Rica earned its first victory of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a 25-16, 25-17, 25-21 win over Guatemala Sunday evening during a Central American battle at the University of Miami’s Bank United Center.

Costa Rica, which outscored its opponent 7-2 and 8-3 in aces and blocks respectively, improved to 1-2 win-loss record while Guatemala dropped to 0-3. Verania Willis led Costa Rica with 19 points, including two blocks, and her sister Angela Willis added 13 with two aces and two blocks. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 27, 2009.- For second day in a row defending champions Dominican Republic had to come from behind to prevail in a match of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup. This time the victim was Canada by score of 23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-21.

Dominican Milagros Cabral had 28 points with 26 attacks and two blocks, and Bethania de la Cruz added 19 including seven service aces. Prisilla Rivera Rivera charted 15 tallies and Lisvel Eve had seven blocks among her 10 points. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 27, 2009.- The United States improved to 2-0 in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup after dominating Guatemala 25-7, 25-12, 25-7 Saturday evening at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Nine different players scored the U.S. Cynthia Barboza and Jane Collymore each provided nine points in the victory, while Angie Pressey came off the bench to added eight points. Christa Harmotto charted eight points in the victory, followed by seven from Tayyiba Haneef-Park. Guatemala (0-2) was led by Blanca E. Recinos Ocana tallied a team-high five points, all on kills. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 27, 2009.- Puerto Rico downed Mexico 25-18, 25-15, 25-21 on the second day of pool play during the Women’s Pan American Cup being held through July 4 at Miami.

Puerto Rico (2-0) was led by Aurea Cruz’s 16 points on 10 kills, five blocks and an ace. Yarimar Rosa and Sheila Ocasio added 11 points apiece in the victory, while Alexandra Oquendo produced nine points. Mexico (0-2) was led by Martha Revuelta and Oliva Meza, who each turned in eight points. Puerto Rico out-blocked Mexico 11-3 for the match and had five aces to Mexico’s one. Mexico scored 27 points off Puerto Rico errors. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 27, 2009.- Argentina evened its win-loss record at 1-1 following its 25-6, 25-15-25-8 over Trinidad & Tobago in the second day of action in Pool B of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup at the U.S. Century Bank Arena in Florida International University.

Yamila Nizetich topped Argentina with 12 points including two aces and one block and Lucia Fresco added 11 tallies with two aces and a pair of blocks. Darlene Ramdin and Krystle Esdelle scored six points apiece for Trinidad & Tobago. The Argentineans outscored their opponents 8-1 in the service aces category. “We could have played better with our complete team,” said Nicholson Drakes, the coach of Trinidad & Tobago. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 27, 2009.- Peru improved its win-loss record to 2-0 in Pool A of the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup by defeating Costa Rica in a lopsided match by score of 25-14, 25-10, 25-11 at the BankUnited Center Arena in the University of Miami.

Veteran Leyla Chihuan led the victors with 15 points, including 10 kills, three service aces and two blocks, and Yulissa Zamudio, Carla Ortiz and Patricia Soto each contributed 12 tallies with Zamudio recording four blocks. Costa Rica, which dropped to 0-2, had Verania Willis as its best scorer with 10 points. More Spanish

MIAMI, Fla. (June 26, 2009) – The United States began the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a convincing 25-7, 25-6, 25-16 victory over Costa Rica on Friday evening at the University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Jordan Larson led all scorers with 14 points for the United States, while Nancy Metcalf added 11 points. Kristin Richards contributed nine points for Team USA. Middle blockers Heather Bown and Danielle Scott-Arruda chalked up seven and six points, respectively.

Verania Willis Lindo scored a total of seven points to pace Costa Rica and teammate Onikca Pinnock Gibbons added three points. More

MIAMI, Florida, June 26, 2009.- Olympic gold medalists Brazil scored an easy victory over Canada in straight sets by score of  25-11, 25-12, 25-13 in the second match of Pool B of the Eight Women’s Pan American Cup played at the Florida International University’s U.S. Century Bank Arena.

Mari Steinbrecher topped the winners with 12 points, including three aces and one block, and Welissa Gonzalez contributed 10 points, all by kills.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 26, 2009.- Defending champions Dominican Republic recovered from losing the opening set and defeated Argentina 24-26, 25-13, 25-18, 27-25 in Day One of the Eight Women’s Pan American Cup on Friday afternoon at Florida International University Arena.

Bethania de la Cruz tallied 20 points, including seven aces and two blocks to lead Dominican Republic and Prisilla Rivera added 18 with three blocks.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 26, 2009.- Peru opened the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a 25-13, 25-15, 25-10 victory over Mexico on Friday evening at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Yulissa Zamudio tallied a match-high 12 points with six kills, three blocks and three aces for Peru. Carla Ortiz added nine points in the victory, all on attacks.

Mexico was led by its captain Migdalel Ruiz, who tallied eight points with seven kills and a block. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 26, 2009.- Puerto Rico opened the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup with a convincing 25-9, 25-15, 25-18 victory over Guatemala on Friday afternoon at University of Miami’s BankUnited Center.

Aurea Cruz led Puerto Rico with a match-high 17 points, which included nine kills and seven aces. Sarai Alvarez added 10 points for the victors. Puerto Rico held a 15-4 advantage in aces, which presented service reception problems for Guatemala.  More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 25, 2009.- The coaches participating in the Eighth Women’s Pan American Cup stated its objectives and goals one day away of start of the competition where four teams will book tickets to the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix.

Some of them have their teams battling in the qualification process toward next year’s World Championships, while others are beginning to prepare their sides in the early stages of the new Olympic cycle. More Spanish

MIAMI, Florida, June 25, 2009.- Defending champions Dominican Republic play Argentina in the first match of Pool B of the Eighth Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup at Florida International University, while hosts USA meet Costa Rica in Pool A at University of Miami on Friday.

Three-time runner-ups in the history of the intercontinental competition and also winners of three bronze medals, the Dominican squad won its first gold medal prevailing in a five-set battle with Brazil last year in Baja California, Mexico.

In their attempt to revalidate the crown, the Dominicans, currently No. 13 in the world by FIVB. More Spanish