Puerto Rico and USA to semifinals in Youth Beach Qualifier

HAVANA, May 26, 2018 - Puerto Rico and the United States won the women's groups A and B undefeated, respectively, and advanced to the semifinals of the Central Norceca Tournament Qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games that will be organized Argentina next October.

Allanis Navas and María González opened the program at the attractive Club Habana in a rematch against locals Thalia Enamorado and Amanda Armenteros, whom they dominated 2-0 (26-24, 21-10) to remove the thorn from a month ago in Varadero at the third stop of the circuit of this confederation.

The Puerto Ricans completed their joy by beating the Mexican Atenas Gutiérrez and Karla Romero 2-0 (21-16, 21-15) in another game in which they showed effective defense and good control of the ball.

"We prepared ourselves for such a result, but without trusting ourselves and completing it well, it was very beneficial for them to leave indoor game for a three-month cycle focused on the beach," said Alexis Feliciano, who also coached them in Varadero, where they finished novenas when they fell to the local pair.

In Group B the Americans Devon Newberry and Lindsey Sparks scored wins in two sets against Dominicans Johanna Montero and De Anny Michelle de La Cruz (21-10, 21-15) and Canadians Dana Roskic and Erika Vermette (21-15, 21-13).

They will face on Sunday in the semifinal at 12:20 local time to the winning duo of the Mexico and Dominican match, and from 13:10 the Puerto Ricans will do it against the winners of the Canada-Cuba duel, teams of second and third places in their pool.

The couples that succeed in the penultimate round and go on to discuss the gold will play with the ticket in their pocket for the youth Olympic event.

Results Women Friday 26

Group A:

Allanis Navas / María González (Puerto Rico) d Thalia Enamorado / Amanda Armenteros (Cuba) 2-0 (26-24, 21-10); Allanis Navas / María González (Puerto Rico) d Atenas Gutiérrez / Karla Romero (Mexico) 2-0 (21-16, 21-15); Atenas Gutiérrez / Karla Romero (Mexico) d Thalia Enamorado / Amanda Armenteros (Cuba) 2-0 (21-18, 21-17).

Positions: PUR (2-0), MEX (1-1) and CUB (0-2)

Group B:

Dana Roskic / Erika Vermette (Canada) d Johanna Montero / De Anny Michelle de La Cruz (Dominican Republic) 2-1 (21-17, 19-21, 15-12); Devon Newberry / Lindsey Sparks (USA) d From Anny Michelle de La Cruz (Dominican Republic) 2-0 (21-10, 21-15); Devon Newberry / Lindsey Sparks (USA) d Dana Roskic / Erika Vermette (Canada) 2-1 (21-15, 21-13)

Positions: USA (2-0), CAN (1-1) and DOM (0-2)