Beach Volleyball is underway in Boqueron

BOQUERON, Cabo Rojo, July 23, 2010 - Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala and Costa Rica won their first matches in the preliminary round of the Central American and Caribbean Games taking place at Boqueron.

Mayra Garcia and Bibiana Candelas prevailed without difficulties over Dania Hamilton and Tramaine Edward from St. Lucia 21-8 and 21-9. “We have to play one game at a time” said Candelas. The Mexicans have been playing in the SWATCH FIVB World Tour with their eyes on qualifying to the Olympic Games and are strong contenders for the gold in Mayagüez. “Our strongest rival should be Puerto Rico” added Mayra.

Puerto Ricans Yarleen Santiago and Dariam Acevedo enjoyed a strong performance and had no problems to win over Elia Torrez and Jaqueline Toruño of Nicaragua. “We’ve been preparing ourselves for some time now, taking part in five stops of the NORCECA’s Volleyball tour, and winning three of them” expressed Santiago, who added that they’re confident about winning a medal.

Elsewhere, Ingrid Morales and Natalia Alfaro of Costa Rica defeated Mona Marjorie Crawford and Anthazia Yearwood of Barbados, and Guatemalans María José Orellana and Lourdes Ramirez downed Brenda Allen and Shanicia Dyer of St. Kitts.

The second day of competitions continues with the preliminary round on Saturday.

Women’s results CRC d. BAR (21-9, 21-16); GUA d. SKN (21-10, 21-12); MEX d. LCA (21-8, 21-9); PUR d. NCA (21-8, 21-6).