Dominicans aiming for third consecutive gold in regional Games 

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico, July 14, 2010 – Dominican Republic are the pre-tournament favorites of the women’s volleyball competition in the Central American and Caribbean Games due to take place through July 18-23 in the city of Mayaguez, located in the western area of Puerto Rico.

The reigning champions of NORCECA and the Pan American Cup will be looking for their third consecutive gold medal –and fifth overall- in the regional multisport event organized by the Central American and Caribbean Sport Organization (CACSO).

In their quest for a hard-trick, the Dominican side will be facing a major obstacle in the form of hosts Puerto Rico, bronze medalists during the previous edition of the Games in Colombia in 2006, who this time will have the extra cylinder of the home crowd support.

Dominican Republic, with Brazilian Marcos Kwiek at the helm, relies on a strong offense led by Prisilla Rivera, the MVP at both NORCECA and the Pan American Cup, the emerging Lisvel Eve and veterans Milagros Cabral and Annerys Vargas besides the defense and leadership qualities that libero Brenda Castillo brings to the table.

Puerto Rico, coached by Argentinean Carlos Cardona, is expected to be taking a full swing at the gold medal with established star Aury Cruz as the center of a nucleous that includes powerful Sarai Alvarez, Karina Ocasio and consistent setter Vilmarie Mojica.

Dominican Republic leads Pool A that consists also of Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. Puerto Rico competes in Pool B alongside with Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

The pool winners after a preliminary round-robin will receive direct tickets to the semifinal round with the second and third placed sides facing each other in crossover quarter final matches. 

Women’s Year by Year podiums