TOKYO, Japan, November 4, 2006.- Costa Rica defeated Kenya in a five-set come from behind victory 19-25, 23-25, 25-16, 32-30, 15-9 in Pool A action of  the 2006 Women’s Volleyball World Championship.

Verania Willis led five players in double figures with 30 points. Angela Willis had 21, Onicka Pinnock tallied 14, Karen Cope added 11 and Johanna Moore had 10.

“The longer the game went on the better we were able to concentrate, and in the fourth set we showed a stronger mentality to win it,” said Braulio Godinez, the Costa Rican coach.

In Pool B, Dominican Republic defeated Mexico in straight sets (25-20, 25-19, 25-12). Nurys Arias and Milagros Cabral had 14 and 13 points respectively. Annerys Vargas scored 11 and Cosiris Rodriguez contributed 10 points.

“The key for the victory was the serves and Mexico could not respond to our strong attack,” said Miguel Beato Cruz, the Dominican coach.

In Pool C, USA lost to Brazil 3-0 25-23, 25-21, 25-13. Nancy Metcalf was the best American with 17 points, and Heather Bown scored 11.

“We missed a lot of passes, serving and receiving,” said Lang Ping, the USA coach. “The Brazilians are very good at traditional attacks and that is one of the reasons why we lost.”

Also in Pool C, Puerto Rico was defeated by The Netherlands 30-28, 25-17, 25-18. Aury Cruz was the top Puerto Rican scorer with 13 points and Karina Ocasio added 11.

“The result wasn't good for us, but the Dutch played well,” said Juan Carlos Nunez, the coach of Puerto Rico. “Our opponents were in such good form and our defense was not so good and we couldn't play our normal game.”

In Pool D, Cuba loss to Italy in four sets by score of 25-27, 25-19, 25-20, 25-19. Yumilka Ruiz was the best of Cuba with 16 points, Rosir Calderon added 12 and Daimi Ramirez scored 10.

"I knew how important today's game was. I have to give credit to the Italian team for their win, said Felipe Calderon, the coach of Cuba .

Captain Yumilka Ruiz added: "It was a good match, and I was impressed with their excellent defense."