Cosiris Rodriguez optimistic for Pan American Cup 

HAVANA, Cuba, June 26, 2006.- The team work and the winning  attitude will be key factors for the Dominican Republic Women’s Team during the Fifth Pan American Cup starting in San Juan, Puerto Rico next Thursday 29 and the Central American and Caribbean Games next July in Colombia, said the team’s captain.

Cosiris Rodriguez said that her team has just completed a week of preparation in Cuba prior to the Pan American Cup, a qualifier for the 2007 World Grand Prix. The Dominicans play in Pool B with Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pool A consists of Argentina, Barbados, Cuba, USA, Peru and Venezuela.

“We played seven friendly matches against the Cubans which are our main opponents in our area. That was very beneficial, it helps us to improve and attain good cohesion,” said the 28 years-old attacker.

“The strength of the team is the attitude, the disposition, the unity and the desire to obtain a title,” added Rodriguez.

Meanwhile, Coach Miguel Cruz said that in Puerto Rico the goal is “to win the Pool B and then to closely follow the rivals, make the finals and to go for the title.”

At the Volleyball School in Havana, stars players Annerys Vargas, Milagros Cabral, Nurys Arias, Juana Gonzalez, Prisilla Rivera, Rosa Caso, Evelyn Carrera, Cindy Rondon and Rodriguez played against the Cubans led by Yumilka Ruiz and Zoila Barros.

“I came with 14 players, I know who will be the 12 that will attend the competition, the regulars and the substitutes, I only need to shape up some details,” said Cruz.

“Cuba has the highest world level and we are a little bit below,” said Cruz, who used a game system with “combinations to surprise the rivals with our main weapons, the attack and serve.”

The Dominican Team went back to its country last Thursday and will travel to Puerto Rico on Tuesday. After the Pan American Cup, Cruz said, they will play some friendly matches against Peru before departing to Colombia to defend the crown they won in 2002.