Women's Volleyball Central American Cup ready to go

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, December 2, 2012 - The final touches to the organization of the XVII Senior Women’s Volleyball Central American Cup to be held here from December 3-7, were given on Sunday with the completion of the Technical Meeting at the offices of the Salvadoran Federation of Volleyball.

The entire region, except Belize, is present in the Games which will close the year of volleyball, with Costa Rica as defending monarchs, Panama as vice champion and Nicaragua as the third placed team in the last Cup held in Panama in 2010.

Teams of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras are willing to get into the medals, especially the Guatemalans who were upset two years ago and had to settle for a fourth place.

Costa Rica always looks strong with the Willis sisters, Angela and Verania, and the more experienced Karen Cope.

Meanwhile, Panama does not have its usual captain Joanna Arroyo, and Jenny Madrid, the blocking leader of the last tournament, but will have Hashlyn Cuero taking the role of captain, Yokahnny Comrie and Suany Terreros.

Nicaragua has the team with more time playing together, with Captain Claudia Noguera, setter Lolette Rodriguez and Valeska Hernandez in the attack alongside the Traña sisters, Mercedes and Heydi.

Guatemala brings a mixture of youth and experience, emphasizing Ruth Gomez, Diana Arias as captain, and Marie- Franz Burmester, plus the libero Walda Maldonado.

Honduras has an average age of 20.7 years, the youngest as well as Guatemala. The experience lies with the captain Tessa Flores, Carmen Aguilar and Karla Pineda.

El Salvador, led by former national team player, Ingrid Rivas, has the captain Adriana Flores with 20 years plus Andrea Manzur, Diana Romero and Marcela Avalos.

The selection of Costa Rica is the winningest team in the history of the Central American Cup with 13 titles including the last 10 in succession. Panama won twice and Honduras won the other event.