Dominican Republic, USA, Canada and Mexico start on right track 

MONTERREY, México, July 31, 2006.- Dominican Republic, USA, Canada and Mexico started on the right track at the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Tournament where the top two teams will qualify for the World Championship next year.

The Dominicans used strong serves and effective blocking to defeat Cuba 25-21, 25-13, 25-21, USA relied on its size to beat Puerto Rico 25-14, 24-26, 25-15, 25-21,  Canada prevailed over Costa Rica 25-10, 25-18, 25-17 and Mexico walked over Trinidad & Tobago 25-5, 25-9, 25-13.

Altagracia Mambru led the Dominican attack with 12 points and Cindy Rondon and Bethania de la Cruz each added 10.

“We came here very well prepared and our goal is clear: Winning the crown,” said Wilson Sanchez, the Dominican coach. “We know the Cuban strong style, very similar to ours. We worked on our strong serves trying to create problems to their reception.”

The match USA-Puerto Rico had up and downs in both sides but the Americans used their height advantage as the key for the outcome.

Canada dominated the first two set without major problems, but the Costa Ricans started the third with a 9-3 lead. The North Americans the made the adjustments and regained their rhythm.

“I am very happy with the victory and the way the girls performed,” said Melanie Sanford, the Canadian coach. “They were a little bit nervous at the beginning but rapidly we gained the focus.”

Julio Alfaro, the Costa Rican coach, considered “this type of competition help us to keep improving our level and gain the much needed experience.”

“I am satisfied with our start,” said Ricardo Ponce, the Mexican coach. “It is always very important to start with a win and tomorrow we go against Cuba, a great team.”