Girls U-18 Pan Am Cup is set to go

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, April 28, 2013. - The U-18 Girls Pan American Cup is set to go as the city of Guatemala welcomes eight teams for the competition that kicks off on Monday.

Defending champions Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Peru, in Pool A already qualified to the 2013 FIVB World Championship in Thailand, while hosts Guatemala, Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico in Pool B will battle for the last ticket available.

After the Preliminary inquiry and the General Technical Meeting chaired by Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, the coaches shared their goals and expectations for the tournament.

Guillermo Caceres (Argentina): “This is the perfect timing to prepare for the World Championship without leaving behind the importance of the event. Our goal is to reach the semifinals knowing there are very strong teams.”

Mauricio Thomas (Brazil): “This will be the first tournament after a long preparation before competing in the World Championship. It gives us satisfaction to see what we are able to accomplish.”

Oscar Guevara (Colombia): “As a team our preparation hasn’t been enough, we are based on the individual job each player has done in our national league. In our pool we don’t know Guatemala or Puerto Rico, but we’re ready to face all our opponents.”

Hugo Jauregui (Chile): “We are well prepared with the highest expectations and our goal is to win the ticket to the World Championship. Four of our players were part of the U-20 team in Havana and they bring experience to the group.”

Wagner Pacheco (Dominican Republic): “This is our opportunity to evaluate the team which gives us a chance to make the final adjustments for the World Championship next month.”

Julio Dominguez (Guatemala): “I’d like to express my team’s feelings: they are excited and motivated to compete as hosts. It will be a challenging competition and our goal is to do things right.”

Enrique Briceño (Peru): “The national senior league in Peru is in the finals and our team is already qualified to Thailand so we preferred to give younger players the opportunity to gain experience here.” 

Juan Rodriguez (Puerto Rico): “We expect an intense battle in Pool B; the four teams want to capture the last spot available for Thailand. Our team has been preparing for five months and the girls come here well motivated.”