2005 NORCECA Women’s Continental Championship

Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

September 4 - 12, 2005

Nancy Metcalf was MVP at Norceca’s Continental

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 11, 2005.- American Nancy Metcalf was elected the Most Valuable Player of the Norceca Women’s Continental Championship, leading three USA players included in the All-Star of the event. The other members of the USA in the team were Lindsey Berg (Setter) and Tayyiba Haneef  (Scorer). The Dominican Republic and Cuba each had two players in the ideal team. The Dominicans were Cindy Rondon (Blocker) and Alexandra Caso (Libero) along with Cubans Nancy Carrillo (Server) and Zoila Barros (Spiker). The team was completed with Canadian Annie Levesque (Defense) and Puerto Rican Aury Cruz (Receiver). Spanish

USA is the Women’s Continental Champions of Norceca

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 11, 2005.- USA edged Cuba in five thrilling sets and won the gold medal at the Norceca Womem’s Continental Championships while claiming also a ticket to the Grand Champions Cup in Japan next November. A touch by Tayyiba Haneef landed on the Cuban side for the victory point of a match that lasted 114 minutes and finished by score of 25-13, 22-25, 27-25, 20-25, 15-10. Veteran Danielle Scott was the top American scorer with 20 points followed by Nancy Metcalf with 19 and Haneef and Therese Crawford with 12 and 10 respectively. For Cuba, Zoila Barros totaled 21 points and Yumilka Ruiz (12) and Nancy Carrillo (10) were also in double digits. The high wall of the USA blocking was a key in the outcome of the first set with Scott playing a star role. Also Crawford hit some potent kills and the Americans led 8-5 and 16-7 at the technical pauses. USA led 8-4 at the first time out of the second set, but the difference lowered to 16-15 at the second pause. The serves of Carrillo and Barros helped the Cuban side to erase the deficit. More…Spanish

Dominicans with a convincent victory over Puerto Rico for the bronze medal

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 11, 2005.- Dominican Republic won the bronze medal at the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships with a convincing victory over Puerto Rico in straight sets by score of 25-19, 25-19, 25-13. The triumph avenged the loss suffered by the Dominicans to the Puerto Rican in the preliminary round of Pool A. Cindy Rondon and Annerys Vargas had 16 and 13 points respectively for Dominican Republic and siblings Eva and Aury Cruz were the best for Puerto Rico with 11 and 10. The Dominicans recovered from a 5 to 8 deficit and took the first set with the combined attack and blocking of Vargas. Kenia Moreta’s spikes sent Dominican Republic to an 8-6 lead in the second set which increased to 16-10 with Rondon’s blocking opening the way. Then Vargas came up with some potent kills to seal a set where Eva Cruz excelled for Puerto Rico. The good Dominican blocking led by Vargas was the key for the success in the one-sided third set. Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “Congratulations to the Dominican Republic. They came out to play very hard and deserved the victory. We did not do as we planned and our serves and reception were not good.” More…Spanish

Cuba will dispute USA the ticket to Japan

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 10, 2005.- Cuba will meet USA in the decisive match of the Norceca Women’s Continental Championship with the winner of the contest advancing to the Grand Champions Cup in Japan next November. Cuba moved to the gold medal match after an easy victory over Dominican Republic in straight sets by score of 25-12, 25-12, 25-18. Nancy Carrillo was the best Cuban with 12 points and Yaima Ortiz and Zoila Barros added 10 and 9. Cindy Rondon, Kenia Moreta and Bethania de la Cruz each had 5 points for Dominican Republic. In the first set with the score 8-7 in favour of Cuba, Nancy Carrillo recorded four consecutive aces sending her side to the triumph. The blocking of Cuba was its main weapon in the second set which ended with identical score as the first one. The third set was not very much different than the others. Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: “It was a tough match and we had a lot of problems with our reception.” More…Spanish

USA to dispute the gold medal

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 10, 2005.- USA advanced to the gold medal match of the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships with a comfortable triumph over Puerto Rico by score of 25-18, 25-18, 25-18. Nancy Metcalf was the top American scorer with 12 points and Therese Crawford and Tayyiba Haneef had 11 and 10 respectively. Eva Cruz scored 11 for Puerto Rico. In the first set, USA relied on the strong blocking of Elisabeth Bachman and a couple of aces by setter Lindsey Berg. Puerto Rico was ahead 8-7 in the second, but Crawford led 7-0 rally of USA in route to the victory. After a tie at 13-all in the third set, USA dominated with its taller players blocking the attacks of Puerto Rico. Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “Our serves today were not as effective as in previous matches. USA served and blocked very well. We did not give up and we will take this a preparation for tomorrow.” Robyn Ah Mow Santos, captain of USA: “Puerto Rico played real good defense and we also did a good job on defense. I think we could have played a little bit better.” Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “We played harder than the last time we faced USA. Their serves were very strong and forced the location of our attack to the corners where they concentrated the blocking.” Lang Ping, coach of USA: “It was really a tough match. I am satisfied with the way we blocked today. We were patient and did a good job.” Spanish

Canada finished in the fifth position

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 10, 2005.- Canada placed fifth at the Norceca Women’s Continental Championship after routing Barbados 25-20, 25-10, 25-14 despite using a reserve squad for most of the match that lasted only 63 minutes. Tara Smart was the top Canadian scorer with 10 points followed by Gina Schmidt and Tawana Wardlaw with 9 apiece and Cheryl Stinson and Lies Reimer each with 8 points. Kristanella Allain led the Bajans with 11 tallies. The rest of the matches of Saturday featured the semi finals between USA and Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic vs. Cuba. The winner of this event will claim a ticket to the Grand Champions Cup to be disputed in Japan next November. Spanish

USA complete the Final Four teams at Norceca

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 9, 2005.- USA will face Puerto Rico in one of the two semi finals matches to be played on Saturday at the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships. The Americans advanced winning over Barbados in straight sets by score of 25-16, 25-9, 25-5. The Bajans resisted in the first set with some good blocking but at the end the superiority of USA was too big. It was almost a no-contest in the second and third sets. Elisabeth Bachman was the top scorer for USA with 13 points and Nancy Metcalf added 9. Anthazia Yearwood, captain of Barbados: “We set the goal of 15 points for the first set and we scored 16 so we enjoyed a lot. Then USA took charge and their serves were too strong.” Robyn Amow Santos, player of USA: “We also set some goals and that was to keep them in low scoring in the next two sets. They played a good first set.” Paul Payne, coach of Barbados: “It is very different to play against a team like USA. We played a good first set but they came back with those serves and were really tough. We tried very hard.” Lang Ping, coach of USA: “I called a time-out in the first set and told my players to use the technique against the blocking. We still have a long way to go. I am not thinking about Puerto Rico or Cuba. Against Cuba we did not have the chance to play and I have never seen in my life, playing or coaching, so many mistakes in the passing.” Spanish

Dominican Republic reached the semi finals

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 9, 2005.- The Dominican Republic advanced to the semi finals of the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships with a triumph in consecutive sets over Canada (25-22, 25-19, 25-14). Cindy Rondon had 18 points, including 11 blocks, to lead the Dominicans. Kenia Moreta and Annerys Vargas added 13 and 12 respectively. Julie Salyn led Canada with 9 points. The excellent blocking of Rondon was the key for the Dominicans in the first set where Canada led 8-7 and 16-15 at the technical pauses. Rondon’s overall game carried Dominican Republic in the second set, and Kenia Moreta’s spikes sealed the victory in the third set. Melissa Raymond, captain of Canada: “We played very well for the first two sets, but then Dominican Republic improved its blocking in the third one.” Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: “We had a shaky start but then recovered and set the pace of the game. That was the key.” Lorne Sawula, coach of Canada: “The Dominican libero (Caso) did a good job covering the holes and the attack of them was very consistent.” Francisco Cruz, coach of Dominican Republic: “I am very satisfied with the job done by Kenia Moreta tonight. She is a very important player in our team and it is good to see her back in shape.” Spanish

México finished in the seventh position

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 9, 2005.- Mexico finished in the seventh position at the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships after recording an easy victory over host Trinidad & Tobago in the first match of Day Four action. The match lasted only 49 minutes and the score was 25-10, 25-11, 25-12. Claudia Rodriguez had 19 points to lead the Mexican attack and Mariela Garcia and Migdalel Ruiz added 10 and 8 points respectively. Trinidadian coach Macsood Ali used only reserved players and Darlene Ramdin was the top scorer of her side with 10 points. The next matches on Friday featured Dominican Republic vs. Canada and USA vs. Barbados in the quarterfinals. Spanish

Barbados eliminates Trinidad & Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 8, 2005.- Barbados prevailed in a battle of teams from the Caribbean zone defeating host Trinidad & Tobago 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-19, 25-9), on the last game of Day Three of the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships. The Bajans advanced to a quarterfinal encounter with USA while Trinidad & Tobago will meet Mexico in a match for the seventh place. The other quarterfinal match will have Dominican Republic facing Canada on Friday.  Cuba and Puerto Rico will rest until Saturday when they will meet the winners of the quarterfinals in the semi final phase of the event. The winner of the tournament will receive a ticket to represent the Norceca Confederation at the Grand Champions Cup next November in Japan. Spanish

Cuba displayed exhibition of good volleyball

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 8, 2005.- Cuba crushed USA in consecutive sets (25-13, 25-22, 25-16) and confirmed its condition of favourite to win the ticket to the Grand Champions Cup available at the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships. The powerful serves of Cubans caused major damage to the Americans reception during the whole match. Cuba joins Puerto Rico in the semi finals while the Americans will meet in the quarterfinals with the winner of Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. Rosir Calderon, one of four Cuban with double figures, led all the players with 18 points. Yumilka Ruiz, Yanelis Santos and Nancy Carrillo had 15, 12 and 10 respectively. Nancy Metcalf was the best American with 10. Lang Ping, coach of USA: “I don’t know if we played bad or Cuba played too good. Congratulations to Cuba. Their serves were too strong for us tonight.” Felipe Calderon, coach of Cuba: “It is a very important victory because gives us a rest day tomorrow and a chance to prepare better for the semi finals. I think the key for the victory was our serves.” Spanish

Puerto Rico advanced to the semi finals

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 8, 2005.- Puerto Rico scored a surprising victory in three sets over Dominican Republic advancing to the semi final round of the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships. The score was 25-23, 25-21, 25-22. It was the first loss of Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico since the preliminary round of the 2002 World Championships in Germany. Aury Cruz was the only Puerto Rican in double figures with 14 points and Sheila Ocasio and Tatiana Encarnacion added 9 and 8 respectively. Cosiris Rodriguez and Annerys Vargas were the best Dominicans with 14 and 12. The Dominican side lost outside hitter Prisilla Rivera in the first play of the match with an injury to her right ankle in a block attempt. She is day to day. Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: “We did not play at all. They had a great game and the important thing now is that we are still in the second round.” Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “The service is one of our strengths and we came out to make it a little tough to their passing. That was the key. Our goal is to go back home with one of the medals.” Francisco Cruz, coach of Dominican Republic: “Puerto Rico played a good game and we lost our best attacker in the first play of the match. My team did not recover motionally of that loss and could not play well for the three sets.” Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “The service was the key for the victory. We tried to avoid their middle-blockers and force their attack to the corners. It is a great victory but we want to keep our head cool.” Spanish

Canada qualified to the quarterfinals

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 8, 2005.- Canada qualified to the quarterfinals of the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships with a triumph over Mexico in the first match of Day Three. The score was 25-17, 25-22, 25-15. The Canadians finished the preliminary round with a 1-2 record in Pool B and Mexico was eliminated after losing its three matches. Gina Schmidt and Melissa Raymond scored 14 and 13 respectively for Canada while Claudia Rodriguez and Migdalel Ruiz had 14 and 12 for Mexico. Melissa Raymond, captain of Canada: “We started really slow during the first two sets until finally got our rhythm. We qualified for the next round and that was our goal today.” Lorne Sawula, coach of Canada: “We had moments of brilliance but we have to maintain that level for a longer period of time.” Spanish

Dominicans are one of four unbeaten teams

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 7, 2005.- Dominican Republic joined three other teams with unbeaten records after two days of competition at the Norceca Women’s Continental Championships. The Dominicans defeated host Trinidad & Tobago 25-8, 25-20, 25-10 and equalled with USA, Puerto Rico and Cuba with record of 2-0. Bethania de la Cruz led Dominican Republic with 13 points and Prisilla Rivera and Kenia Moreta had 10 and 9 respectively. Anne Kelly Billingy was the best Trinidadian with 13 points. Anne Kelly Billingy, captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “Congratulations to Dominican Republic. We played a good second set and it was a good chance for our young players to go against a great team.” Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: “Trinidad & Tobago played very well in the second set. They have good talent and I hope they can make the next round.” Macsood Ali, coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “Get 20 points against a team who beat USA in the Olympics and Japan two months ago is a great honour. We need to keep competing at this level.” Francisco Cruz, coach of Dominican Republic: “We made some changes to rest my main players for the coming matches. I am satisfied with the way the young players performed in the third set after some difficulties in the second one.” Spanish

Cuba defeated Canada

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 7, 2005.- Cuba followed the steps of USA and Puerto Rico taking its second victory at the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships. The Cubans beat Canada by score of 25-21, 25-18, 25-18. The Canadians battled during the whole match but at the end of each set Cuba dominated relying on its strong blocking and consistent play. Cuban Zoila Barros was the only player with double figures in the match with 13 points. Yumilka Ruiz, Nancy Carrillo and Daimi Ramirez each had 9. Gina Schmidt was the top Canadian scorer with 9 points. Lisa Raymond, captain of Canada: “We had a good first and third set when we managed to handle the big serves of Cuba. It is always fun to play against a team like Cuba.” Yumilka Ruiz, captain of Cuba: “I think we are improving step by step. I am very satisfied with our performance so far. Canada played very well tonight.” Lorne Sawula, coach of Canada: “Every time you have the chance to play against Cuba is a bonus. We battled against them but at the end their experience gave them the triumph when they took the game to the next level.” Felipe Calderon, coach of Cuba: “Congratulations to Canada for a great match tonight. They served well and put us in trouble. It is a well prepared team tactically and they showed it today.” Spanish

Second victory for USA

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 7, 2005.- USA obtained its second victory in as many outings at the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships while defeating Mexico in straight sets by score of 25-4, 25-22, 25-16. The Americans crushed their rivals in the first set when they enjoyed excellent serves by Tayyiba Haneef combined with outstanding blocking. The next two sets were closer but with USA using its superiority to prevail. Haneef was the leading scorer for USA with 19 points, Jennifer Joines added 10 and Danielle Scott, Elisabeth Bachman and Katherine Wilkins had 8 apiece. Migdalel Ruiz and Elizabteh Salas each had 9 for Mexico. Claudia Rodriguez, player of Mexico: “This is a great opportunity for our younger players to learn. We only came here with nine players and we are trying to do what we can.” Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, player of USA: “We played better than yesterday but lost concentration after the first set. We will get better.” Marco Heredia, coach of Mexico: “It is very tough to play against a team like USA under the conditions we are. The Federation sent me with nine players and two were injured yesterday. I think USA will be a contender for the crown here.” Lang Ping, coach of USA: “We don’t have the consistency you need to be among the top teams in the world. We make too many errors. We have a long way to go, but today we served better.” Spanish

Puerto Rico is 2-0

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 7, 2005.- Puerto Rico is 2-0 at the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships after a victory over Barbados  25-14, 25-10, 25-5. The Puerto Ricans were superior in all aspects of the game and cruised to the victory without any difficulties. Shannon Torregrosa led Puerto Rico with 14 points, Vanessa Velez and Sheila Ocasio added 8 apiece and Tatiana Encarnacion and Aury Cruz each produced 7. Anthazia Yearwood, captain of Barbados: “We came out with enthusiasm in the first set but we need to work more as a team. I like the style of Puerto Rico, a good team.” Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “We came out to play hard and trying to minimize the errors. We passed very well and I am very satisfied with our game today.” Paul Payne, coach of Barbados: “Puerto Rico came prepared to play us and they took their game a step higher than yesterday. Their serving was a significant difference.” Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “I agree with the coach of Barbados that our serves carried us today. I like the consistency level we kept today and I hope to maintain the aggressiveness of our services.” Spanish

Dr. Ruben Acosta Trophy Challenge was announced 

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2005.- The Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez Trophy Challenge was announced tonight during the opening ceremony of the Norceca's Women Continental Championships. The Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs of Trinidad & Tobago, Mr. Roger Boynes, presented the trophy to Mr. Mushtaque Mohammed, president of the hosting national volleyball federation and Mr. Edgar Alvarado, president of the Control Committee of the event.Both Mohammed and Alvarado are regional vice presidents of the North, Central American and Caribbean Confederation, whose president is Mr. Cristobal Marte of Dominican Republic. Mr. Boynes said during his speech that this is a recognition to the contributions in favour of volleyball in America and worldwide by founder and first president of Norceca and president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) since 1984. Mr. Mohammed informed that the team who wins the championship for three editions will keep the trophy permanently. Eght teams from the Norceca region are competing here for one ticket to the Grand Champions Cup to be played in Japan next November. The teams are: Barbados, Cuba, Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago and USA. Spanish

USA recovered to beat Canada

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2005.- USA recovered from losing the opening set and went on to take the next three in a victory over Canada 22-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-14 in Day One of the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships.The Canadians were tough rivals for the first three sets of the match, but in the fourth seemed a little bit tired and the Americans dominated. Four Americans finished in double digits with Tayyiba Haneef leading the way with 17 points. Nancy Metcalf followed with 14 and Katherine Wilkins and Elisabeth Bachman had 12 and 11 respectively. Melissa Raymond was the best Canadian with 10 followed by Lies Reimer and Emely Cordonier with 8 apiece.Lisa Raymond, captain of Canada: “It was a good game for us where we went out to battle. At the end they executed better than us.” Robyn Ah Mow-Santos, player of USA: “We were very slow at the beginning but we were lucky to come back and recover. Canada played very good.” Lorne Sawula, coach of Canada: “They continue to find a way to beat us. You are never happy with a loss, but it was a good learning experience for us.” Lang Ping, coach of USA: “It was a very difficult match and we did not have good concentration in the first set, but we also did not make many mistakes. Canada played a great game.” Spanish

Puerto Rico complete the victorious quartet

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2005.- Puerto Rico defeated host Trinidad & Tobago in consecutive sets during the last match of the opening day at the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships. The Puerto Ricans used their better experience to beat a physically talented side of Trinidad & Tobago. The score was 25-14, 25-9, 25-6. Shannon Torregrosa and Aury Cruz were the leading scorers of Puerto Rico with 11 points apiece. Anne Kelly Billingy topped the host side with 10 points. Anne Kelly Billingy, captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “During the first set we played very well but then we made too many errors. We were not talking and the team of Puerto Rico improved a lot. Congratulations to them.” Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “It was a nice first set for Trinidad & Tobago. It is the first time we play against them and we didn’t know what to expect. They came out pretty hard.” Macsood Ali, coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “Puerto Rico is a team with experience. We could not negotiate their serves after the first set. The biggest problem of our team is the lack of exposure.” Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “It is the first time we play against them. We made a few errors in the first set and they played hard, especially Kelly with her effective spikes. Then we found the needed consistency.” Spanish

Comfortable victory for Dominican Republic

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2005.- The Dominican Republic scored a comfortable victory over Barbados (25-14, 25-12, 25-12) in Day One of the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships. Annerys Vargas led three Dominicans in double figures with 13 points and Cosiris Rodriguez and Cindy Rondon added 11 and 10 respectively. Anthazia Yearwood, captain of Barbados: “The Dominicans are taller than us and their blocking made it tough for us. We played a good first set and then lost the focus.” Cosiris Rodriguez, captain of Dominican Republic: “We had a good start and I hope we are going to improve from it. The girls of Barbados played very well.” Paul Payne, coach of Barbados: “We played much better than the last time we faced them at the Pan American Cup. We have some new players who need exposure.” Francisco Cruz, coach of Dominican Republic: “We played very well as a team. The most important thing is that we kept the same level and the same focus using a mix of veteran, young and intermediate players. That gives me a great satisfaction because we are working at long term and it is a good sign.” Spanish

Cuba defeated Mexico in straight sets

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, August 6, 2005.- Cuba defeated Mexico in consecutive sets to open the Norceca’s Women Continental Championships, a qualifier for the Champions Cup. The score was 25-18, 25-18, 25-20. Nancy Carrillo and Daimi Ramirez led the Cuban balanced attack with 11 points apiece and Yaima Ortiz added 8. The best scorer of Mexico was Mariela Garcia with 9 points. Celida Cordova, captain of Mexico: “Cuba is a very strong team and we did our best. Their jumping serves gave problems to our reception.” Yumilka Ruiz, captain of Cuba: “Mexico played very well. We need to make some adjustments in order to play more as a unit.” Marco Heredia, coach of Mexico: “I am happy with the way we played with our reduced team due to injuries. Cuba is one of the best team in the world.” Felipe Calderon, coach of Cuba: “Our technical staff is satisfied with our performance in this first match. Mexico played very well and that is the reason they qualified to the World Championships.” Spanish

Minister of Sports formally launched the Tournament

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 3, 2005.- The minister of Sport and Youth Affairs formally launched the NORCECA Women’s Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago, host of the tournament. The tournament was launched at the Press Centre at the venue for the tournament.  The competition will be the qualification event for the Grand Champion’s Cup to be held in Japan later this year. At the launch, the Minister of Sport Mr. Roger Boynes, pleased the government support for the tournament and indicated that the government is pleased with the work of the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation over the years. This year the National Volleyball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago was the host of the World Championships Qualification Tournament (NORCECA Group B Men) and also the host of the Caribbean Junior Women Tournament. After the NORCECA women’s Tournament they will be the host of a Caribbean Beach Volleyball Tournament. “We are very proud of the efforts of the Volleyball Federation as they cater for the youths of the nation and also has contributed to the Sport Tourism policy of the Government” said Boynes. Mushtaque Mohammed, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation said: “We are honored to host this event, the glory of women’s volleyball in this region especially since this tournament has the prestige of being the qualification tournament for the Grand Champions Cup in Japan.  We are also honored to host USA, Cuba and Dominican Republic, who participated in the last Olympic Games in Greece”. The tournament will start on September 6 and the Champions on NORCECA will be crowned on September 11. Spanish

Women of Cuba will go as favourites at Trinidad & Tobago

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 2, 2005.- Olympic bronze medallist Cuba, a team who placed fourth at this year World Grand Prix, is the favourite to take the gold medal at the Women’s Norceca Continental Championships to be staged here on September 6-11. USA and Dominican Republic are the other major powers of the region on the women side with Puerto Rico making some improvements lately. The threesome of Yumilka Ruiz, Zoila Barros and Nancy Carrillo lead the Cuban attack with Rosir Calderon emerging with an explosive offence. USA has prolific scorer Nancy Metcalf and big Tayyeba Haneef as their main producers along with Elizabeth Bachman and Jennifer Joines. Veteran Cosiris Rodriguez and young Prisilla Rivera lead the Dominican squad joined by promising Dahiana Burgos. The siblings Aury and Eva Cruz and Shannon Torregrosa are the main Puerto Rican players. Mexico, a team qualified to the next year World Championships has Bibi Candelas and Ana Mercado as its main power supplier while Canada will count with Barb Bellini and Emely Cordonier as their top producers. Teams from Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago are newcomers to this competition and their young squads will participate looking for learning experience. Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago will play in Pool A and Cuba, USA, Mexico and Canada will compete in Pool B. The winners of each pool advance to the semi final round while the teams placed second and third will go to a crossed quarterfinal confrontation. Spanish