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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 18, 2015 – Hosts
Dominican Republic are among the favorites to win the U20
Women’s Pan American Cup to be held in Santo Domingo from April
19 to 24.
The home team has been under a strong program of preparation,
playing against teams of Japan and United States ahead of the
competition, said Wagner Pacheco, the Brazilian coach of the
local squad.
Argentina’s Mauro Silvestre is optimistic about their chances
after winning the U18 Pan American Cup with the same group of
players, while Chile’s Hugo Jauregui expressed confidence about
finishing among the top-three teams.
The coaches of the six teams taking part in the U20 Pan American
Cup expressed their points of view about their teams’ goals and
expectations on the eve of the start of the competition in Santo
Domingo on Sunday.
Mauro Silvestre, Argentina
“This is the same U18 team that won the Pan American Cup and the
Invitational Tournament in Baja California and continues its
development process ahead of the U18 World Championship. We are
bringing two different players –one libero and one middle
blocker- to watch them. Our objectives are very clear and this
is an important competition in preparation for the worlds. We
will try to win and I think we have the conditions to win.”
Hugo Jauregui, Chile
“We have great expectations as we want to finish among the
top-three and get points for the world ranking. We have had a
strong preparation since the Dominican Republic invited us to
come one week earlier to train and play. We know there are
stronger teams that are above us in the ranking and because of
that the challenge is a big one.”
Andrés López Castro, Costa Rica
“Our job is to prepare these girls for the Central American
Championship next December. The competition gives us the chance
to play at a class A level event, a warm-up opportunity they
have not yet met. In that tournament we plan to qualify to the
NORCECA Championship as part of the rebuilding process we have
started.”
Wagner Pacheco, Dominican Republic
“Our team is very well prepared. We have had scrimmage matches
against teams of Japan, United States and the Dominican seniors.
We have played matches of high level winning and losing but
always playing at a high level. The only problem is that for the
first time they will be playing in front of the home crowd and
it can create some pressure. But we are prepared for this
tournament.”
Luis Alberto León, Mexico
“Our main goal is to qualify to the world championship with a
good position in the ranking. We hope to finish on the podium
despite the fact we have not played preparation matches. It is a
new team participating in its first international competition. I
can see the girls well motivated with desire to take advantage
of the opportunity.”
Claudia Noguera, Nicaragua:
“It is a young team that for the first time is taking part in a
high level competition with good teams from South America and
NORCECA. The girls are thrilled about participating and we come
to learn from the other teams. Our goal is to work as a team and
go out every day to give our best.” |
