Trinidad & Tobago scores first victory

 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 6, 2016 - Trinidad and Tobago (1-4) earned its first win in Group B of the XV Pan American Women's Volleyball Cup by winning 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-23) over Costa Rica (0-5) on Wednesday.

The best scorers for the winners were Channon Thompson with 15 points, the opposite Krystle Esdelle with 11 and Darlene Ramdin with 10 points. For Costa Rica the best scorer and the only one who reached double figures was Paola Ramirez with 10 points.

 Trinidad and Tobago finished the first round in fifth place, while Costa Rica left the preliminary round without winning in 5 games and waiting to contest the last places of the tournament against Mexico (0-5) on Friday at Club San Carlos at 2 in the afternoon.

Winning coach Francisco Cruz said he was very pleased and happy with the win after five of his players were sick in recent days and libero was late because of personal reasons. Despite this, he said the victory was achieved with good concentration and not letting the nerves to be a factor in the third set.

The captain of Trinidad and Tobago congratulated his team and their sick colleagues for their dedication and despite not feeling quite right, health left aside, delivered in body and soul to achieve this important victory.

The coach of Costa Rica, Braulio Godinez said that although he anticipated a strong game, it was the one where his team had more chances to achieve its best result. He was pleased with the effort of his players and found that small errors led to failing to win the third set that was tied at 23, and service in favor.

 Costa Rica captain Irene Fonseca says he's a bit sad about the defeat as they thought they could do better. He said the first two sets were irregular, and that the true potential of the Costa Rican team was demonstrated in the final set.