Girls from Puerto Rico and USA to Olympic Youth Games

HAVANA, Cuba, May 27, 2018 - Allanis Navas/María González of Puerto Rico and Devon Newberry/Lindsey Sparks of United States secured tickets from the NORCECA Central zone to the Youth Olympic Games by claiming the gold and silver medals, respectively, in the Beach Volleyball Qualifying Tournament that closed at the majestic Club Habana on Sunday.

The Puerto Ricans again showed their courage by reversing the score and winning 2-1 (13-21, 21-15, 15-13) on a Sunday that began cloudy and rainy but finished with bright sun and the battle of these young promises in search of two of the five tickets to Argentina next October.

"It helped us a lot to come to the Varadero phase in April, the opponents were stronger, and from that event we got more unity and we were dedicated to strengthening our services, which was our main weapon today," said the small and combative Allanis, who is 16 years-old.

Her partner also expressed her joy not only by taking one of the five seats of Norceca for the Olympic event. "Also for the victory, for which we both agreed it was vital the work of coach Alexis Feliciano, we will continue to prepare ourselves to perform well in the important commitment."

These pairs led their Groups A and B, and advanced to the semifinals directly with a pair of wins and in this round those from the Isla del Encanto beat Canadians Dana Roskic/Erika Vermette 2-0 (21-13, 21-14), while Devon and Lindsey prevailed over the Mexican Atenas Gutiérrez and Karla Romero 2-0 (21-15, 21-18).

The bronze medal was precisely Athens and Karla, who beat the northern Dana and Erika 2-0 (21-13, 21-16).

Women's final summary Sunday:

Quarterfinals: Atenas Gutiérrez/Karla Romero (MEX) d Anny Michelle de La Cruz (DOM) 2-0 (21-18, 21-18), Dana Roskic/Erika Vermette (CAN) d Thalia Enamorado/Amanda Armenteros (CUB) 2-0 (21-15, 21-10).

Semifinals: Devon Newberry/Lindsey Sparks (USA) d Atenas Gutiérrez/Karla Romero (MEX) 2-0 (21-15, 21-18), Allanis Navas/María González (PUR) d Dana Roskic/Erika Vermette (CAN) 2 -0 (21-13, 21-14).

Finals

Gold: Allanis Navas/María González (PUR) d Devon Newberry/Lindsey Sparks (USA) 2-1 (13-21, 21-15, 15-13)

Bronze: Atenas Gutiérrez/Karla Romero (MEX) d Dana Roskic/Erika Vermette (CAN) 2-0 (21-13, 21-16).