Semis in Santo Domingo begin tonight

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 11, 2006.- The semi final phase of the Distrito Nacional Tournament in both genders begin on Tueday tonight with Mirador (Women) and Bameso (men),  qualified to the final series after finishing first in the regular season. Bameso defeated Jose Marti in four sets (22-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20) in the first match of a triple-header last Sunday with Amaury Martinez and Jose Perez leading the scoring with 15 and 12 points respectively. In another men’s match, Los Prados beat Varias Luces 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-17 with Wagner de Leon scoring 19 points and Eury Almonte and Danodin Contreras 13 and 12. In a women’s match, Los Prados defeated Cristo Rey by score of 25-17, 25-20, 25-22. The final positions of the regular series were as follows: Men: Bameso (6-3), Los Prados (5-4), Jose Marti (4-5) and Varias Luces (3-6). Women: Mirador (9-0), Bameso (5-4), Cristo Rey (3-6) and Los Prados (1-8). Spanish

Ponce and Corozal in a do-or-die situation

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 11, 2006.- Ponce and Corozal will meet in a sudden-death match on Wednesday to dispute the second berth in the final series of the Puerto Rican Women’s Superior League.Last night, Ponce lost to the already final qualified Carolina in five sets (25-23, 25-27, 25-21, 21-25 y 16-14) on Monday night with a block from Lilly Denoon and a kill by Kristee Porter for the last two points in the tie-breaker.Meanwhile, Corozal forced the deciding match of Wednesday with a five-set victory over the already eliminated Bayamon.The best-of-seven final series is scheduled to start on Saturday with Carolina hosting the winner of Ponce and Corozal. Spanish

Continental Men’s Beach Volleyball in Boca Chica

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 10, 2006.- The NORCECA Men’s Continental Beach Volleyball Championship will be held in Boca Chica on April 14-16 with the participation of pairs six countries. The event is sponsored by Presidente Beer.The announcement was made today during a Press Conference at the Main Meeting Room of the FIVB Regional Development Centre in the Dominican Republic. Raul Papaleo-Joseph Gil (Puerto Rico), William Strickland-Adam Roberts (USA), Gilberto Villegas-Alexander Villegas (Costa Rica), Jorge Bolaños-Tirso Pineda (Guatemala) and Jeovanny Medrano-Caros Leiva (El Salvador) will join Dominicans Francisco Abreu-Juan Pozo and Yewddys Perez-Charlyn Vargas in the competition to be played under the format of double-elimination.Mr. Carlos Beltran, vice president of NORCECA for Beach Volleyball, is the President of the Control Committee and Beato Miguel Cruz is the technical director with the assistance of Mr. Juvenal Collado, and Mr. Arnaldo Sánchez is the Director of Competition. Spanish

Dominican Republic Federation held its annual congress

BOCA CHICA, Dominican Republic, April 10, 2006.- The Dominican Republic National Volleyball Federation held its annual congress on April 7-9 at Dominican Bay Hotel. During the event, it was decided to grant the Executive Committee the authority to convene the general assembly for a statutory reform in order to adopt a new geographical structure of the National Federation. The Provincial Associations of Salcedo, Distrito Nacional and La Romana were distinguished as the most outstanding of 2005 as also were recognized Mr. Angel Acosta, Mr. Luis Mejia, Mr. Felipe Payano and the Armed Forces Sports Circle for their contributions to the sport in the Dominican Republic and especially to volleyball. The Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation also distributed equipment for the practice of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball to all its 32 associations. Spanish

Caribbean Power shows in Murcia

MURCIA, Spain, April 10, 2006.- The threesome is called as the Caribbean Power. And that is the way they played for Grupo 2002 Murcia in the regional derby against University of Murcia of the Women’s Spaniard Super League. Dominican Priscila Rivera and veteran Cubans Ana Ibis Fernandez and Regla Bell combined their efforts to lead their side to an easy victory in straight sets 25-21, 25-18, 25-9. Rivera and Fernandez each scored 17 points and Bell added 10 points for the squad coached by Pascual Saurin. Cuban Mayvelis Martinez had 10 points for the losing team. Grupo 2002 Murcia sits in second place with a 2-1 record in the second phase and Hotel Cantur is undefeated with a 3-0 mark. Spanish

Hoag is the new coach for Canada’s Men

OTTAWA, April 10, 2006 – Volleyball Canada is pleased to announce that they have come to an agreement with Glenn Hoag as the new Men’s National Team Coach. Hoag, known for his play on the court during his time with the National Team, and more recently his success as a Professional Coach in France and at the Université de Sherbrooke, agreed to a 2-year contract earlier this week with an option to extend for an additional 4 years. “We are obviously very happy to have Glenn for this position,” commented Caroline Sharp, Director General of Volleyball Canada. “Glenn’s professionalism, his track record as a coach and the support of the athletes that will play for him is bound to provide a great working atmosphere, one that we hope will produce some great results for Canada.” Hoag, a former member of Canada’s National Team (1981-86), was an integral part of the program when they produced Canada’s best ever result finishing 4th at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Spanish

Carolina is unbeaten in PR Semis

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 6, 2006.- Carolina remained as the only unbeaten team in the semi final phase of the Women’s Puerto Rico League after defeating Ponce 3-1 on Wednesday night. The Giants (3-0) overcame a 0-1 deficit and won by score of 23-25, 27-25, 25-23, 25-9 with Kristee Porter leading five players in double digits with 24 points. Yasary Castrodad and Yarleen Santiago had 16 and 14 points respectively while Lilliana Denoon and Rachel van Meter each had 10 tallies. Sarai Alvarez led Ponce with 18 points and Milagros Cabral and April Ross had 16 and 14 respectively for Ponce (1-2). On Tuesday, Corozal kept alive its hopes of advancing to the finals with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-21) victory over Bayamon. American Ogona Nnamani led Corozal with 21 points and Dominican Annerys Vargas was the top scorer for Bayamon with 15 points. Spanish

Bethania de la Cruz leads Mirador

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 4, 2006.- Bethania de la Cruz is one of the most promising from the new breed of Dominican players. And she is leaving no doubt about her talent and ability during the regular series of the National District Tournament. De la Cruz led her Club Mirador to its seventh victory without losses and consequently a direct berth in the final series with a 3-0 victory over Bameso (25-22, 25-14, 25-18). The powerful spiker topped all the scorers with 20 points and cemented her quest for the MVP award of the event. She was followed by Ana Ligia Fabián and Ginette Selmo with 13 and 12 points respectively and Laritza Reyes chipped in 8. Mirador (7-0) will meet in the final with the winner of the semi final series between Club Cachorros (3-3) and Bameso (3-4). Los Prados is 0-6.On the men’s side, Los Prados upset Bameso 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-16) with Alfredo Báez and Eury Almonte scoring 14 and 12 points respetively. Bameso and Jose Marti share the lead with a 4-2 record and Los Prados and Varias Luces have a 2-4 mark. Spanish

Ponce and Carolina lead semi final in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 4, 2006.- Ponce and Carolina share the top position in the round robin semi final series of the Women’s Puerto Rico League after two days of action. Both teams have a 2-0 record while Bayamon and Corozal are 0-2. Ponce and Carolina dispatched their opponents by scores of 3-0. April Ross (34), Sarai Alvarez (28) and Milagros Cabral (20) have been the top scorers for Ponce in the first two matches while Lilliana Denoon (25), Kristee Porter (24) and Yarleen Santiago led the scoring for Carolina. Annerys Vargas with 31 points tops the Bayamon scorers.The semi final continues tonight with a crucial match between Bayamon and Corozal. The loser will have its chances of qualifying almost evaporated. Spanish

China will play against Canada’s Men

WINNIPEG, Canada, April 4, 2006.- The Team Canada Volleyball Centre has confirmed that the Chinese National Men’s Volleyball Team will be coming to Winnipeg for a series of exhibition matches this May 15th - 18th, at the University of Manitoba’s Investors Group Athletic Centre. The series is the first of the 2006 international men’s volleyball season; the first in a season that promises to be a busy one for the 2006 Senior Men’s team, with close to 40 matches scheduled so far. China, host of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, are currently ranked 15th in the world and will be excellent preparation for the 13th-ranked Canadians prior to the inaugural Men’s Pan American Cup in Mexico, scheduled for June 3rd – 12th. The China-Canada series will kick off on May 15th at 12:00. Two additional official matches have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 16th and Thursday, May 18th at 7:00 pm. All matches will be played at the Investors Group Athletic Centre at the University of Manitoba. Spanish

USA Women Cap Italy Tour with Win over Conegliano

CONEGLIANO, Italy, April 3, 2006.- Elisabeth Bachman scored a match-high18 points and Katie Wilkins added 17 points to lead the USA Women’s National Volleyball Training Team to a 3-1 win Sunday night over Zoppas Conegliano. Bachman blasted 14 kills with two blocks and two service aces in the 25-22, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21 victory for the United States, which finished its seven-match tour against four European club teams with a record of 4-3. An eighth match, against Scavolini Pesaro, was cancelled. Wilkins registered 13 kills with a match-high four aces for Team USA, which posted three of the wins against Conegliano, a Serie A2 division team in the Italian League. Katie Olsovsky scored 14 points, Jamie DeKiewiet added 12 points and Jennifer Joines chipped in with 11 points for the United States in the win. Spanish

Dominican Rondon displayed her tools in Padova win over USA

SACILE, Italy, April 3, 2006.- Dominican Cindy Rondon blasted five service aces and was one of the most outstanding players in the victory of Megius Volley Padova 3-0 over the USA Women's National Volleyball Training Team. Rondon, who last year participated with the Dominican National Team in the U-20 World Championships in Turkey, was the second best scorer of her side with 12 points that included five kills and two blocks. Padova, a Serie A-1 team of the Italian League, won by score of 25-18, 25-17, 25-23. Rondon is having her first experience playing professionally overseas and after finishing her commitment with the Padova Team, she will report to the training camp of the Dominican Republic National Team. Mirela Corjeutanu led Padova with 14 points and Olessia Kulakova tallied 10 points. Spanish

USA Women with 3-3 record in European Tour

PORDENONE, Italy, April 1, 2006.- Ivana Djerisilo and Stefania Paccagnella scored 19 points apiece to pace Minetti Infoplus Vicenza to a 3-1 win Wednesday night over the USA Women’s National Volleyball Training Team. Paccagnella ripped 14 kills with four blocks and one service ace in the 25-11, 25-22, 25-27, 25-19 victory for Vicenza, an Italian League Serie A1 team. Djerisilo added 19 kills. Elisabeth Bachman scored 15 points and Katie Olsovsky added 11 points for the United States, which dropped to 3-3 on its seven-match tour against four European club teams. An eighth match, against Scavolini Pesaro, was cancelled. Bachman, a 2004 Olympian, blasted 10 kills with a match-high five blocks and a hitting percentage of .714 (10 kills, zero errors, 14 attempts). Olsovsky, a member of two national championship teams at USC (2002 and 2003), posted 11 kills in the loss. The tour concludes with Team USA’s fourth match against Conegliano on Sunday, April 2. Spanish

Puerto Rico’s Women to begin training for Japan

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 31, 2006.- The Puerto Rican Women’s National Team will begin its 2006 Working Plan next Monday April 3, in preparation for the different international tournaments of the year and concluding with the World Championships in Japan. The two pair of siblings of Sheila and Karina Ocasio and Eva and Aury Cruz will be the first reporting to the training camp at the Volleyball Center of Cupey where they will be working out under the supervision of Jorge Perez Vento, who is the advisor of the Puerto Rican Federation for National Teams. “As teams are being eliminated from the national tournament, more players will be joining the squad. We are expecting Shannon Torregrosa on April 16,” said Carlos Beltran, president of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation. “On May 1, we hope to have all the players in full training.” Prior to the World Championships, the Puerto Rican team has an agenda that includes the participation as host team at the Fifth Pan American Cup on June 29-July 7, also the Central American and Caribbean Games in Colombia in July, and the TV Azteca Cup in Mexico in September. Spanish

2006 NORCECA Girls Youth Championships Awarded to Gainesville, Fla.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, March 31, 2006.- Gainesville, Florida, will host the 2006 NORCECA Girls Youth Volleyball Championships on July 25-30, USA Volleyball announced Thursday. The Championships will take place at the O’Connell Center on the campus of the University of Florida. The bi-annual event will qualify teams for the 2007 FIVB Girls Youth World Championships. The site for the World Championships has not been announced. USA Volleyball officials are hoping that as many as eight teams will participate in the NORCECA Youth Championships. Among the countries expected to send teams, besides the United States, are Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago. "This is the first time we’ve hosted this event since 2002 in Salt Lake City," said Tom Pingel, USA Volleyball’s Director of High Performance National Programs. "The University of Florida and the city of Gainesville showed great interest in the event and submitted a very strong bid. We were targeting the south eastern part of the United States to host in order to make travel easier for the Caribbean and Central American countries." Spanish

Venezuelan Graciela Marquez won the MVP Award

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 30, 2006.- Venezuelan Graciela Marquez of  Toa Baja was the winner of the  2006 MVP award of the Puerto Rican Women’s Superior League. The all-around veteran player won by a landslide obtaining 26 of 34 possible votes. It is the second time Marquez wins the coveted recognition with the previous one coming in 2003. “I think the first one was better, at least we advanced a little more, but physically now I was in better shape,” said Marquez to El Nuevo Dia newspaper. His coach David Aleman is quoted by the paper saying that the season “could have been even better for Marquez if she has not suffered a left knee injury toward the latter quarter of the season.” In her fourth season in the league, and despite the injury, the captain of Toa Baja and student of Interamerican University, led the league in scoring and attacks from start to finish. Her biggest match was a 46 points performance against Carolina on January 8. Dominican Annerys Vargas of Bayamon, finished a distant second with 5 votes and April Ross of Ponce and Vilmarie Mojica of Corozal, each received one vote. One card was submitted in blank. Spanish

Vargas came alive in key victory of Bayamon

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 30, 2006.- Annerys Vargas broke a recent slump and scored 23 points to lead the Bayamon Cowgirls to the semi final phase of the Women’s Puerto Rican Superior League in a 3-0 victory over Caguas. Bayamon ended the quarterfinals round with a 5-5 record tied with Ponce. Carolina and Corozal complete the four teams advancing to the next stage. With the triumph, Bayamon ended a five game losing streak after prevailing in its first four outings, and the Dominican Vargas was a key player with a performance that included seven blocks. The score was 27-25, 25-23, 25-19. Vargas, who finished second to Venezuelan Graciela Marquez in the voting for the Most Valuable Player of the regular season, closed the match pounding two strong kills. Sanja Tomjasevic added 17 points for Bayamon and Kim Willoughby and Jetzabel del Valle, with 17 and 13 respectively, were the best scorers for Caguas. Spanish

League of Nations in Puerto Rico All-Stars

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico.- Three Puerto Ricans, two Dominicans, and one placer from each Venezuela and USA were included in the All-Star Team of the Women’s Volleyball Superior Tournament, was announced today. The Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation announced that the corners were occupied by American April Ross of Ponce, who received 30 votes and Venezuelan Graciela Marquez of Toa Baja, who got 29. For the middle-blocker position were selected Dominican Annerys Vargas of Bayamon, with 30 points, and Puerto Rican Jetzabel del Valle of Caguas, with 26 votes. Puerto Rican Karina Ocasio was mentioned in 27 cards as she was elected as the opposite player of the All-Star. Puerto Rican Vilmarie Mojica of Corozal was the choice of the voters as the best setter and Dominican Evelyn Carrera of Ponce joined the ideal team as the best libero. Spanish

Course for Coaches Level I in Santo Domingo

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic.- The FIVB Regional Development Center in the Dominican Republic lectured an International Course for Coaches Level I with the participation of more than 20 technicians from different countries of the Norceca Confederation. The director of the course was Argentinean Carlos Maria Diaz Bancalari with the assistance of Cuban Nelson Poyato Narvaez. Professor Nelson Ramirez, director of the center, spoke about the importance of the event as a tool to impulse the development of volleyball in the world. “We once again are honoured and satisfied that this center hosted another course of in the benefit of our discipline in the Norceca’s region,” said Ramirez. He recalled that more than 200 coaches have participated in courses lectured in the center and 33 of them have reached the position of National Coaches of their countries in different categories. Spanish

Annerys Vargas leading all the scorers

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, February 14, 2006.- Dominican Annerys Vargas of the Bayamon Cowgirls is the leading scorer in the round robin phase of the Women’s Puerto Rican Superior League. Vargas has 84 points in three matches (11 sets) all won by her side and is followed by Americans Ogonna Nnamani of Corozal and April Ross of Ponce with 76 and 66 respectively. Cuban Yasary Castrodad tops the blocking list with 14 followed by Puerto Rican Jetzabel del Valle with 13 and Vargas with 11. The action of the round robin continues tonight when Bayamon (3-0) meets Ponce (2-1). During the regular series, the Cowgirls beat the Lionesses in their two encounters but needed to play nine sets. Ponce is without the services of Evelyn Carrera who will miss the rest of the season with a small fracture in her left foot. She has been replaced by Tatiana Justino. Spanish

Carrera was the best libero for second consecutive year

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 4, 2006.-For second consecutive year Evelyn Carrera of Ponce Lioneses, took home the title as the Libero of the Year of the Puerto Rican Women’s Superior League after dominating the stats of the position during the 2006 season. Carrera finished first in the libero sheet with 398 defenses and 312 receptions for a total of 710 and average of 8.77. The libero of the Lioneses was also first in defenses winning the prize with 399 in 84 sets played for an average of 4.75 while finishing third in receptions with 312 for and average of 4.27. In receptions, Alida Otero, libero of Aguadilla Divas, obtained the trophy for the Best Receiver after closing the regular series with 333 in 78 sets for an average of 4.27.  More Spanish

Havana City double champions in Cuba

SANTIAGO DE CUBA.- The Havana City team conquered the title of the First Class Cuban Men’s National Championship, but not without a strong resistance from opponents of Villa Clara. The victory was in five close sets by score of 25-23, 23-25, 26-24, 21-25 and 15-11. The champions had difficulties with the reception and the serves but finally established their class as a team. Middle blocker Osmany Camejo was one of the main fixtures of the winners and was elected as the Most Valuable Player. Also Joan Llanes, Maikel Sanchez, Roberlandi Simon, Yoandry Diaz and Jesus Cruz standed out. Raidel Corrales, excelled for the Villa Clara side during the match played at Alejandro Urgelles Hall and nationally televised. In the match for the bronze medal, Camaguey defeated Santiago de Cuba in four sets by score of 28-26, 23-25, 25-20 and 25-22. On the women’s side, Havana City won the title with a perfect record, followed by Cienfuegos and Villa Clara. Lisbet Arredondo was the MVP and Yusleidys Herrera the top scorer. Yusidey Silie was the best in attacks and blocks; Arrendondo in receptions; Yanelis Santos, defense; Ojeidis Rojas, serves and Liana Mesa in settings. Spanish

FIVB announces opening of new development centre in the Caribbean, hosted by Barbados 

Lausanne, 2 March 2006 - The FIVB Regional Development Centre in Bridgetown, Barbados, heralds a new and historic chapter in Volleyball both on the island itself and for the Caribbean region as a whole. FIVB President Dr Rubén Acosta Hernandez welcomed the news, commenting that “the FIVB Regional Development Centre in Barbados is perfectly located in the Caribbean region, which counts seventeen national Volleyball federations and a population of around 10 million. Barbados has excellent links with neighbouring countries and will offer a stable environment for promoting the development of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball in this region of great potential”.  More Spanish

AFECAVOL Beach Volleyball on May 20-22

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, February 28, 2006.- The Sixth Central American Championship of Beach Volleyball will be held in Belize on May 20-22 with the participation of eight pairs of each gender. Mr. Edgar Alvarado, president of AFECAVOL, informed of the confirmation of two pairs from Belize and one each from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua in the women’s side and pairs from Costa Rica and Panama in the men’s section. The deadline for inscription of teams is April 21 with the names of the players. It was also announced the prize-money for the medallists winners on each gender. The top finishers will receive US$500 and the silver and bronze medallists will get US$300 and US$200 respectively. The inspection of the playing courts will be on May 19 followed by the preliminary inquiry and the general technical meeting under the supervision of the technical and refereeing delegates. Spanish

A Beach Volleyball Tour scheduled for 2007

Santo Domingo, February 22, 2006. A Beach Volleyball Tour is programmed for next year with stops in 7 countries around the NORCECA Confederation. The decision was adopted during the annual meeting of the Beach Volleyball Commission now under the Presidency of Mr. Carlos Beltran, who is also President of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation. 16 pairs of each gender will be participating in the tournament programmed for Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Mexico and Honduras. Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, President of the NORCECA Confederation expressed his optimism about the future of Beach Volleyball with the enthusiasm and dedication of Mr. Beltran. Also the offices of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Department will be operated in Puerto Rico. It was also decided to continue hosting the Zonal events in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as, to promote the tournaments of the Junior category of Beach Volleyball. Spanish

The goal is one international referee by country

SANTO DOMINGO, February 21, 2006.- The Refereeing Commission of NORCECA self imposed the goal of having at least one international referee from every country within the Confederation for 2008. Cuban Jose Ramon Perez Vento, president of the commission gave the news shortly after the conclusion of a long meeting yesterday. It was also discussed the necessity of completing between 2006 and 2007 of the remaining matches for the current continental referees and the candidates to international referees. NORCECA also adopted one standard procedure to conduct the clinics before each competition and also the FIVB system for the control of the referees. Mr. Perez Vento made also a complete report of the work executed by the referees during all the international events celebrated by NORCECA last year. Spanish

Marketing Department created in NORCECA

SANTO DOMINGO, February 21, 2006.- A NORCECA marketing department will be created in order to make the events of the confederation more appealing to the public and to potential sponsors. The decision was taken today during the annual meeting of the financial and marketing commission. Dominican Mara Fernandez will be in charge of the new office, announced Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, who praised the qualities of the new member of the staff. “It is very important to generate more interest towards our competitions both from the fans and from the sponsors,” said Marte. “We have achieved some advance, but there is still long ways to go.” In other news, Mrs. Miguelina Martinez, accountant of NORCECA, presented a complete financial statement of the Confederation which was satisfactory and received the approval of the commission. Spanish

A Press Seminar planned for 2007

SANTO DOMINGO, February 20, 2006.- A plan to conduct a press seminar in 2007 was presented today during the annual Media Commission meeting. The seminar would be lectured at the Regional Development Center in the Dominican Republic with the support from FIVB and the NORCECA Confederation. The curriculum of the press seminar includes the organization of press conferences, the set up of the working press room, functions of the press delegate, volleyball information system, the importance of statistics, the report of the matches, strategy of volleyball, rules of the game, among other topics. During the meeting, Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, introduced Mr. Renaldo Bodden as the new president of the press commission. Bodden is the Press Officer of the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation. It was also discussed the necessity of the designation of Press Officers by all the 35 National Federations affiliated to NORCECA. At present time, only 13 National Federations have appointed a press officer. Mr. Roosevelt Comarazamy, the FIVB Press Officer for NORCECA, presented a complete report of the working conditions during all the rounds of the World Championships and also of the continental events and the Women’s Pan American Cup. Spanish

World Vision 2012 Plan presented within NORCECA 

SANTO DOMINGO, February 19, 2006.- The World Vision 2012 Program for the NORCECA Confederation was presented today by Mr. Nelson Ramirez during the meeting of the Technical and Coaches Commission. Mr. Ramirez, who is the director of the FIVB Regional Development Center in the Dominican Republic, informed the members about all the courses and seminars projected to be conducted by the institution under his direction for the next seven years. It includes objectives of short, medium and long terms. He also presented a report of the activities during the year 2005 that included a Seminar of Sport Medicine directed by Dr. Annie Peytavin, president of the Medical Commission of FIVB. Also, a course for candidates to international referees conducted by Alexander Muhle of  Germany and Sergei Titov of Russia, and a Level III Coaches Course under the direction of Max Meier of Switzerland, Gilberto Herrera of Cuba and Carlos Diaz Bancalari of Argentina. More Spanish

Clinic for Phys Ed Teachers was a big success

SANTO DOMINGO, February 19, 2006.- It was a big success the clinic for Dominican Physical Education Teachers lectured by the members of the NORCECA’s Coaches Commission. About 50 teachers attended the clinic and received participation certificates from the FIVB Regional Development Center in the Dominican Republic, directed by Mr. Nelson Ramirez. The instructors of the workshop included Cubans Eugenio George and Francisco Cruz, American John Kessel, Canadians Mark Tennant and Lorne Sawula, Israel Garcia for Puerto Rico Costa Rican Braulio Godinez, Nicaraguan Rene Quintana and Dominican Miguel Beato Cruz.The lessons included techniques of volleying, serve and reception, attack and blocking and specialization of players. The opening ceremony of the clinic was attended by Mr.Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, Mr. Ramón A. Garcia, president of the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation and Mr. Daniel Lara, the Dominican Republic Physical Education Institute Director. Spanish

House of Volleyball in Puerto Rico: A dream coming true

TOA BAJA, Puerto Rico, February 18, 2006.- The Mayor of Toa Baja, Anibal Vega Borges, and the president of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, Carlos J. Beltran, signed an agreement on Thursday to start the construction of the always dreamed “House of Volleyball.” Vega Borges donated the FPV the land in the sixth section of the Levittown Urbanization in Toa Baja, to construct the building. Besides, the Municipality of the town will make a donation of US$1.5 million to start the works. “We are going to make a financial contribution of $1.5 million to start the construction of the building where the Volleyball National Teams can train,” said Vega Borges during the press conference for the All-Star Game of the Women Superior Volleyball League. “The Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation will arrange along with the Municipality of Toa Baja in order to get the other funds and complete the structure. Then, the Toa Baja City Hall will pass the usufruct of the facilities to the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation,” explained Vega Borges. More Spanish

First Men’s Pan American Cup in Tijuana and Mexicali 

SANTO DOMINGO, February 18, 2006.- The First Men’s Pan American Cup to be held in  Mexicali and Tijuana on June 3-13, was announced today here by Mr. Saul Castro Verdugo, director of the Sports Institute and Physical Culture of Baja California, Mexico. Mr. Castro Verdugo made a presentation of the event during the meeting of the Sports Organization Commission of the NORCECA Confederation. He was accompanied by journalist Teodoro Guerrero. Eight countries from the NORCECA Confederation will take part in the competition including USA (5), Cuba (10) and Canada (13) who are ranked among the top teams in the world. The top three teams ranked in the event will be automatically qualified for the America’s Cup in Brazil later this year. Two pools of four teams will play the preliminary round in Tijuana and Mexicali, with the winner of each pool advancing directly to the semi final phase. The teams placed in second and third will play the quarterfinals. More Spanish Pic:Mr. M.C. Saul Castro Verdugo

Women’s Pan American Cup will be at Clemente Coliseum

SANTO DOMINGO, February 18, 2006.- The Fifth Women’s Pan American Cup, a qualifier for the 2007 World Grand Prix, will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico from June 29 to July 7. Mr. Carlos Beltran, president of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, presented a complete report on the event during the meeting of the NORCECA’s Sport Organization Commission. Beltran informed the event will be staged at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the main indoor facility of the island with a seating capacity of 12,000. Some matches will be at Pedrin Zorrilla Coliseum, an adjacent building. Four training courts will be available and teams are going to be lodged at the Marriott Hotel in the area of Isla Verde next to San Juan Airport. The twelve participating countries are: Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, USA and Venezuela. All Puerto Rico matches will be on national TV and radio. Spanish Pic: Roberto Clemente Coliseum

Volleyball is coming back to Montserrat

SANTO DOMINGO, February 17, 2006.- The re-establishment of the Montserrat Volleyball Federation is one of the top priorities for the NORCECA Confederation, announced Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of the continental institution. “We have been working very hard along with Mr. Mushtaque Mohammed, president of CAZOVA, in order to completely restore volleyball and beach volleyball in Montserrat,” said Mr. Marte. “I am very proud to announce that the normality is coming back in Montserrat after the volcano tragedy of several years ago,” said Marte. “And volleyball and athletics are the only two sports being practiced over there as of today.” “Our plan is to go there with volleyball equipment and to have a well organized federation before the next FIVB World Congress,” Mr. Marte added. Spanish

Tournaments in Cartagena will be well organized

SANTO DOMINGO, February 17, 2006.- The Central American and Caribbean Games Tournaments of Volleyball and Beach Volleyball in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, are going to be a complete success both ion terms of facilities and organization, predicted Mr. Nelson Ramirez, technical delegate of NORCECA. Ramirez presented a report of the venues construction process during the first day of the Sport Organization Commission meetings held at NORCECA’s headquarters. Mr. Ramirez informed about the quality of the indoor venue and the two warm-up courts and also of the site for the Beach Volleyball competition. A second inspection visit is scheduled for next May and a training course for the VIS personnel will be lectured as also a clinic for the supporting personnel as ball retrievers and, lines referees and mop-boys. Spanish

2006-2009 Competition Calendars are confirmed

SANTO DOMINGO, February 17, 2006.- The competition calendars of NORCECA from 2006 to 2009, were discussed, confirmed and adjusted during the first day of meetings of the Sport Organization Commission here today. Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, considered it as a major step that will be beneficial for the hosting national federations. “One of our goals during the past few years has been to establish certain dates for our competitions,” said Marte. “That will permit a better organization work for the hosting country and a good preparation process for the participating teams.” Tomorrow is expected the visit of Mexican Mr. Saul Castro Verdugo, who will be presenting a complete report of the First Men’s Pan American Cup to be held next June in Baja California, Mexico. The event will be a qualifier for the America’s Cup, an event organized by the South American Confederation. Spanish

McCutcheon Named USA Coach of the Year 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, February 16, 2006.- Hugh McCutcheon was named National Coach of the Year after guiding the USA Men’s National Team to 27 wins and five tournament medals. Under the guidance of first-year head coach McCutcheon, the USA Men’s National Volleyball Team flourished during the 2005 season by going 27-6 and winning five medals in five tournaments. The team earned a silver medal at the USOC International Sports Invitational in San Diego, California, gold medals at the America's Cup in Brazil, the FIVB World Championship Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico and the NORCECA Continental Championship in Canada and another silver medal at the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup in Japan. The Americans finished the year ranked fifth in the world, registered the highest winning percentage of any men’s national team since 1988 (.818) and recorded the most wins by a men’s team since 2000. Spanish

Beltran was recipient of the Aces Award

Carlos Beltran, president of the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation, was the recipient of the “Aces” award as the Executive of the Year of Puerto Rican Sport. The election of Mr. Beltran “is more than justified due to the success reached for years by the Volleyball and Beach Volleyball of his country putting the Puerto Rican volleyball in a place of privilege,” wrote Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA in a letter of congratulation to Mr. Beltran. “The Superior League is an example of success which serves as a model to be implemented for the development of the different professional leagues in all the Americas,” said Marte. Spanish

Carrera maintains as the best libero in PR

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, February 15, 2006.- Evelyn Carrera, the libero of Ponce Lionesses in the Puerto Rican Superior Women’s League, maintains as the leader in defences and passing of the 2006 tourmanent. Carrera is tops in the stats as of February 14 in the defences department with 327 in 68 sets played for a 4.81 average. At the same time, the libero of the Lionesses is the best in passing with 270 for an average of 3.97 by set. Carrera also is the leader among the liberos with an average of 8.78 after making 327 defences and 270 passes for a total of 597. Venezuelan Graciela Marquez, of Toa Baja, is the top scorer with 376 points followed by American April Ross of Ponce with 347 and Dominican Annerys Vargas of Bayamon with 341. Vargas is the top blocker of the tournament with 77 followed by Puerto Ricans Jetzabel del Valle of Caguas and Jessica Candelario of Corozal, with 63 and 52 respectively. There is three-way tie in the serves department between Puerto Ricans Karina Ocasio of Juncos and Rayma Robles of Corozal and American Kristee Porter of Juncos each with 27 aces. The Bayamon Cowgirls are leading the standings with a 12-5 record, half game over Caguas (11-5) and one game ahead of Ponce (11-6). The rest of the positions is as follows: Toa Baja (10-6), Carolina (9-6), Corozal (10-7). Mayaguez (9-7), Juncos (8-8), Guaynabo (2-15) and Aguadilla (0-17). Spanish

New Development Centre starts functioning

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, February 14, 2006.- Exactly one day after officially launching the newest FIVB Regional Development Centre, Barbados staged an FIVB Referees’ Refresher Course in the new Centre under the tutelage of FIVB Instructor Jose Sanler Diaz. Twenty-five national referees signed up to take the Course which ran from February 6 to 12.  Fifteen referees took the final theoretical and practical exam after seven days of intense work. The Barbados FIVB Regional Development Centre is presently based at the ultra modern Wildey Gymnasium.  Meanwhile, work continues at a brisk pace on the nearby Barbados Olympic Association’s building which will house the Centre’s Secretariat when the new building is opened in April. Spanish

Vargas sent Bayamon to first place

PONCE, Puerto Rico, February 14, 2006.- Dominican Annerys Vargas scored 26 points on 20 attacks and 6 blocks, sending the Bayamon Cowgirls to the sole possession of the first place of the Puerto Rican Superior League after a 3-1 triumph over Ponce. Vargas scored the last two points of the match with a kill and a block in the victory 21-25, 25-23, 25-16, 26-24. She was backed by American Sanja Tomjasevic and Puerto Rican Sheila Lopez who each contributed with 12 points. It was the third consecutive win for Bayamon (12-5) and snapped the streak of 3 victories of Ponce (11-6). Bayamon has beaten Ponce twice this season with the first one coming in five sets in the homecourt of the Cowgirls. American April Ross and Dominican Milagros Cabral had 20 and 19 points respectively for Ponce. Spanish

Commissions of NORCECA to meet on February 17-22

SANTO DOMINGO, February 13, 2006.- The NORCECA Confederation annual commission’s meetings are going to be held on February 17-22 at its headquarters in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. All the commission will be meeting for one day with the exception of the Sports Organization which will have a two-day session. The Sports Organization Commission, presided over by Mexican Alejandro Salinas, will meet on February 17-18.The rest of the Commissions with their meeting dates and the name of their presidents in parenthesis are the following: Medical (Dr. Andres Piña –DOM), February 18; Coaches and Technical (Eugenio George Laffita –CUB), February 19; Referees (Jose R. Pérez Vento –CUB), February 20; Press (Renaldo Bodden –DOM), February 20; Marketing (Patricia Garel –JAM), February 21; Finance (John Griffith –BAR), February 21; Beach Volleyball (Carlos Beltran –PUR), February 22. Spanish

Bayamon returns to the victorious route

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, February 6, 2006.- The Bayamon Cowgirls returned to the victorious path last night with an easy win in three sets over the slumping Mets of Guaynabo, snapping their streak of two losses. Previously, the Cowgirls had put together a streak of six victories. The sets finished 25-20, 25-18 and 25-22. With their triumph, Bayamon improved to 9-5 and elevated to third place in the standings. The imported Annerys Vargas and Sanja Tomasevic each had 16 points for the winners. For Guaynabo, who fell to 1-13, Lindsay Phillips made 15 points. Meanwhile, the Pinkin of Corozal caused a three-way tie in the fifth position of the women superior volleyball, by defeating the Ponce Lions in three sets. With their win, the Pinkin improved their record to 7-6, tying up with the Mayaguez Indians and the Valencianas of Juncos. Imported Laura Jones totalled 17 points to lead the Pinkin and Yamileska Yantin added 11 for the winners. For Ponce, the imported Milagros Cabral and April Ross finished with 15 and 12 points respectively. The Lions left their record in 8-5 tied in fourth place with the Carolina Giants. Spanish  Primera Hora

Development Center announce workshop for Phys Ed Teachers 

SANTO DOMINGO, February 2, 2006.- The FIVB Regional Development Center in the Dominican Republic, announced a one-day workshop for Physical Education Teachers on February 18. The participants will be teachers from public and private schools of the Dominican Republic under the coordination of the Physical Education Institute directed by Professor Daniel Lara. The instructors of the workshop include Cuban Eugenio George, Americans John Kessel and Doug Beal, Canadians Mark Tennant and Lorne Sawula, Israel Garcia for Puerto Rico and Costa Ricans Rene Quintana and Braulio Godinez. The lessons will include techniques of volleying, serve and reception, attack and blocking and specialization of players. This is the second year of the workshop taking advantage of the presence of the instructors who will be participating of the annual meetings of the NORCECA Confederation. Mr.Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, Mr. Ramón A. Garcia, president of the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation, Mr. Lara and Mr. Nelson Ramirez, director of the Center, pronounced speeches during the ceremony attended by the local media. Spanish

Cabral will go back to her game of high level

AGUADILLA.- After eight months of inactivity, Milagros Cabral returned to the volleyball courts with the Ponce Lions to recapture the game level that converted her in one of the main weapons of the Dominican Republic National Team.The universal player suffered the tear of the right Achilles tendon, an injury that required a surgery performed in Russia and maintained her out of action for the lapse of eight months.“I was out of the Dominican Team for one year during the recovering and rehabilitation process after the surgery. Eight months later I am in Puerto Rico playing for the Lions. The league has gained a lot this year, because most of the teams are competitive and that creates the growing of the tournament,” said Cabral to Primera Hora after the match last Monday against the Aguadilla Divas. In fact, Cabral will use her participation in the national women tournament as additional preparation ahead of her reintegration to the Dominican side after finishing her compromise with the Lions. More Spanish  Primera Hora

Eva Cruz reaches the 3,000-points plateau

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, February 1, 2006.- Eva Cruz of Juncos and member of the Puerto Rican National Team, became the first player to reach the 3,000 points plateau in the history of the Superior Women’s League of Puerto Rico. The veteran Cruz is also one of three players –the others are Michelle Maltes and Jetzabel del Valle- with more than 400 blocks lifetime. Lily Denoon is 22 bocks away from joining the club. Venezuelan Graciela Marquez of Toa Baja continues as the scoring leader of the circuit with 277 points followed by Dominican Annerys Vargas of Bayamon with 241 and American Kristee Porter of Carolina with 220. Vargas is the leader in blocks with 52 positives and she is escorted by Del Valle of Caguas with 44 and Melissa Elmer of Guaynabo with 34. Porter is the best server with 23 aces followed by Marquez and Karina Ocasio of Juncos with 20 apiece and Evelyn Carrera of Ponce is the leader in defences with 208 and Alida Otero of Aguadilla is tops among the liberos with 8.39 average of defences and receptions followed by Carrera with 8.24. Toa Baja leads the standings with 8 wins and 3 losses and Bayamon is in a close second with 8-4 mark. The rest of the standing is as follows: Carolina (7-4), Mayaguez (7-4), Ponce (7-4), Caguas (7-4), Juncos (6-5), Corozal (4-6), Guaynabo (1-10) and Aguadilla (0-11). Spanish

AFECAVOL takes important decisions

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, January 29, 2006.- The Association of Central American Volleyball Federations (AFECAVOL) held its Annual General Assembly of 2005, on January 28, with the presence of the seven members of the zone association and with the appropriate and guiding suggestions of Mr, Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, president of NORCECA. It is important to point out that among the main decisions taken was the approval of the competition calendar for the period 2006-2010 with the assignment of the national federations that will be hosting the major cups and the junior and youth championships, and thus allowing the countries the chance for a better planning of those events. It was agree to convoke for the first Central American mini-volleyball camp with the objective of promoting in each one of the countries the sport initiation in volleyball at an early age and the exchange of social, cultural and sports experiences between the children under 12 years-old.  More Spanish

AFECAVOL comply with FIVB and receive good news

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, January 29, 2006.- The Association of Central American Volleyball Federations (AFECAVOL), through the intervention of Mr. Marte Hoffiz, have submitted to FIVB its Certified Financial Statements corresponding to the years 2003, 2004 and 2005 a requirement needed in order to apply for the economic support destined to the zone associations and thus to resolve and collaborate with the administrative organization of AFECAVOL and the events scheduled for the year 2006. It is very deserving to emphasize that the Panamanian Federation will receive from its government the economical contribution for the construction of a gymnasium exclusively for the Panamanian Volleyball, located in the centre of the capital. It will be used this year for the Central American Students Games and the Men’s Senior Cup, and thus a big enhancing to both events. At the same time, and as a deserved homage to his forty years of continued work in favour of the Panamanian and Central American Volleyball, the Government of Panama decided to name the new Volleyball Gymnasium as Jose A. Remon. With that motive, the authorities AFECAVOL congratulate Mr. Jose A. Remon for that deserving honour. Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, President of NORCECA, also has expressed his pleasure for this recognition. Spanish

AFECAVOL to have a website this year

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, January 29, 2006.- Among the new projects that AFECAVOL has decided to implement starting in 2006 is the creation of a website that will allow to introduce itself around the world of sports and volleyball. In order to put in march that initiative it counts with the technical support from NORCECA for its construction and functioning. Another working tool is constituted by the formulation of the Central American Ranking which will permit and will facilitate in the future the follow-up and designation of the representatives to the different annual NORCECA Championships with sufficient time in advance. It was also agree a total and integral revision of the Statutes in order to have them in concord with those of FIVB and NORCECA, and by these the legal and administrative procedures will go in concord with the established by the superior bodies. Spanish

Brazil is near the title, USA is 3-1

TOKYO, Japan, November 26, 2005 -- USA produced a business-like performance to beat Egypt 3-0 (25-12, 25-21, 25-15) in the opening match of the fourth day of action at the Men’s World Grand Champions Cup improving its win-loss record to 3-1. Clayton Stanley, who is in his fifth year playing professionally in Greece, led the American charge with 22 points, comprised of 16 spikes, three blocks and three service winners. He said it had been very important to follow up the previous day's crushing 3-0 victory over Italy with a solid display against the African champions. "We played an excellent game yesterday (Friday), and when you get a win like that you do not want to let it go to your head," said Stanley. "We made a decision to come out here and take care of business." Meanwhile, Brazil took a giant stride toward a second World Grand Champions Cup by beating Italy in a five-set epic at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.  The score was 32-30, 25-22, 23-25, 22-25, 15-13 and the Brazilians improved to 4-0 with one game to play, against African champions Egypt, on Sunday.In the all-Asia evening affair, Japan won a thriller over China 3-2 (25-14, 24-26, 25-20, 35-37, 15-8) Spanish

USA swept Italy

TOKYO, Japan, November 25, 2005.- USA swept Italy 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-18) to put both teams at 2-1 after three days of action of the Men’s World Grand Champions Cup at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. USA's Hugh McCutcheon described it as an important win for his team. "Italy has such a great heritage for the last 15 years, maybe even longer, so for us to be able to beat them today is big for us," he said. Earlier in the third day of the tournament, Egypt defeated China 3-2 (25-23, 21-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-12). It was the first victory by an African team in the FIVB's inter-continental championship. In the evening match, Brazil held off a determined challenge by Japan to finish the third day as the only team with a 3-0 win-loss record. The reigning world and Olympic champions beat the 16th-ranked Japan 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 23-25, 25-18), lifting their game at the crucial moments to stay in charge. Spanish

USA evened its record

NAGANO, Japan, November 23, 2005.-  USA recorded a tense 3-1 victory over Japan to leave both teams with a 1-1 win-loss record on the second day of the World Grand Champions Cup at Nagano Arena on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Brazil and Italy moved ahead of the pack. Japan were looking to build on the previous night's 3-2 win over Egypt, but the Americans were too experienced and ran out winners 25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 25-23. No. 1 Brazil survived a mighty scare to beat China in five sets, while second-ranked Italy had no such problems against Egypt, winning 3-0 for the second successive day. Earlier in the day, Brazil overcame a sluggish start to beat China 3-2. The Chinese won the first two sets 25-23, 28-26 but the Olympic champions finally found some momentum and took the next three sets 25-11, 25-18, 15-10. Italy made no such mistake against Egypt in the second match, winning in straight sets 25-20, 25-18, 25-19 in 62 minutes. Thursday is a travel/training day, before the action resumes on Friday at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium. Spanish

USA Men lost to Brazil at World Grand Champions Cup

NAGANO, Japan, November 22, 2005.- Brazil, Italy and Japan began their  Men’s World Grand Champions Cup campaigns on a winning note at Nagano Arena on Tuesday. World and Olympic champions Brazil downed Norceca champions USA 3-1, European champions and World No. 2 Italy outclassed wild card entry China 3-0, and Asian champs Japan held off African champions Egypt 3-2 in a thriller. Brazil, who won this title in 1997, lost the first set 27-25 to USA, but took the next three 25-22, 25-19, 26-24. The second game of the day passed by in a blur of Azzurri blue as Italy demolished 18th-ranked China 25-15, 25-15, 25-17 in just 58 minutes. In the evening game, 16th-ranked Japan, the recently-crowned Asian champions, beat Africa's first entry into the WGCC, Egypt, ranked 21st in the world, 15-5 in the tiebreaker after trailing 2-1 in sets. Japan won 25-16, 23-25, 14-25, 25-23, 15-5 when all looked lost at the end of the third set. Spanish

Brazil won the gold and USA took the silver

NAGOYA, Japan, November 20, 2005.- South American champions Brazil clinched their first inter-continental crown defeating Korea 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-20) finishing the Women’s Grand Champions Cup with a perfect 5-0 record. USA, representing NORCECA, was the runner-up with a 4-1 record after beating Japan 28-26, 25-23, 25-16. China defeated Poland 3-1 (17-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-20) taking the third place. Third in 1997 and fourth in 2001, Brazil made no mistake this time, and went home with the first prize of US$300,000 and even more Japanese admirers, following their World Grand Prix success at Sendai in July. Sheilla Castro won the honour as the Most Valuable Player. The other players awarded were the following: Best scorer, Sheilla Castro (Brazil); best attacker, Zhou Suhong (China); best blocker, Fabiana Claudino (Brazil); best server, Welissa "Sassa" Gonzaga (Brazil); best setter, Feng Kun (China); best libero, Yuka Sakurai (Japan). The final placing was: Brazil, USA, China, Poland, Japan and Korea. Spanish

USA lost to Brazil in straight sets

NAGOYA, Japan, November 19, 2005.- In a high-profile battle of the Americas, Brazil showed who was boss by defeating USA in straight sets at the women's World Grand Champions Cup on Saturday. The two teams went into the fourth day's play at Nagoya Rainbow Hall with a perfect 3-0 win-loss record. Something had to give - and it was the South American champions who emerged victorious, beating the NORCECA champions in emphatic style, 25-16, 25-19, 25-19. Even though the Brazilians had played the late match Friday and were on first Saturday, they showed no signs of mental or physical fatigue as they blitzed the Americans with an intense, energetic display. Enjoying her best match of the tournament, Jaqueline Carvalho led the Brazilian assault with 16 points, and received solid support from Brazil's best two players here, Sheilla Castro and Welissa "Sassa" Gonzaga, who both scored 14. Korea then produced a major surprise by beating European champions Poland 3-2 (26-24, 17-25, 25-18, 15-25, 15-11) in a one-hour, 48-minute marathon. It was the first victory for Korea after three defeats and Poland slipped to 1-3. In the last match of the day, China beat Japan 3-1 in a fast-paced encounter to move to 2-2, while dropping the host to 1-3. The Olympic champions won 25-15, 21-25, 25-15, 25-19 for their second straight victory over Asian opposition. Spanish 

USA and Brazil remain unbeaten at Grand Champions Cup

NAGOYA, Japan, November 18, 2005.- United States and Brazil face a "High Noon Shootout" on Saturday after both teams improved their win-loss record to 3-0 at the World Grand Champions Cup on Friday.  The Americans downed European champions Poland 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-20, 25-19) to stay perfect, and Brazil followed up with a crushing 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-19, 25-15) over Japan in the evening's main course. Brazil and USA, neither of whom have won this title in the three previous editions, will meet in the fourth round of games on Saturday, starting at noon. The winner of this will then be the favourite to clinch the US$300,000 first prize on Sunday, the fifth and final day of the women's inter-continental championship. Tayyiba Haneef led the USA scoring against Poland with 21 points, including 20 searing spikes -- and promised there was more to come. "Overall we are very happy with our condition, and have a pretty healthy team," she said. "We are mentally strong and came here to fight, and will continue to have a lot of energy and spirit out on the court." In the first game of the day, China overwhelmed Asian rival Korea 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19) in 64 minutes. Spanish

USA and Brazil share the lead at Women’s Grand Champions Cup

NAGOYA, Japan, November 17, 2005.- The United States are top of the standings after two rounds of games, but the furthest thing from their minds is actually winning the FIVB World Grand Champions Cup. “We came here with a goal, and that was to improve our level and play more consistently,” said the Americans’ Chinese head coach, Jenny Lang Ping, at a news conference on Thursday. We want to take this opportunity to give more experience to the team, and right now we have still not changed our goal. We have three hard matches to play and I will focus on each one and try to play as consistently as possible, and learn as much as possible from all the teams.” The six teams are now in Nagoya, preparing to resume play on Friday at the Rainbow Hall after playing the first two rounds at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium.  More..Spanish

Marte to preside Control Committee of Grand Champions Cup

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, November 10, 2005.- Dominican Cristóbal Marte will preside the Control Committee of the Grand Champions Volleyball Cup s to be held in Tokyo, Japan on November 15-27. The designation of Marte, president of Norceca, as head of the competition’s supervising body was requested by the Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) and ratified by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), of which he is executive vice president. Marte was indeed this year president of the Control Committee of the U-21 Men’s World Championships held in Vizakhapatnam, India in August, and has presided over the same body in different editions of the World League. Besides, he was member of the organization during the Olympic Games at Athens, Greece. The Grand Champions Cup will be held on November 15-20 for the women and on 22-27 on the men’s side. The participating women’s teams will be China, Poland, USA and Brazil as champions for Asia, Europe, Norceca and South America respectively, besides Korea, as wild card guest, and the organizer Japan. The men’s teams will be Egypt, Italy, Brazil and USA as continental champions for Africa, Europe, South America and Norceca with China as wild card and Japan as host country. Spanish

Puerto Rico is the first option for the 2007 U-18 Girls World Championships

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, November 10, 2005- Puerto Rico is the first option to stage the 2007 U-18 Girls’ World Championships as it was notified by the International Volleyball Federation. Mr. Bob Clark, director of events for the FIVB informed the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation that they still need to complete some official documents before November 30. “We already have made contacts with the Mayaguez authorities because we want to complete all needed information as soon as possible,” said Carlos Beltran, president of the Puerto Rican Federation. Beltran stated that once the FIVB gathers all the documents at its offices in Switzerland, an inspection visit shall be programmed between January and March of next year. Only once, in 1995, Puerto Rico hosted a Volleyball World Championship and it was a U-19 Boys event The last time a country of the American Continent organized a World Volleyball Championship was in 2001 with the U-18 Girls event successfully held in Santo Domingo and Santiago, Dominican Republic. Spanish

Meier praised the conditions of Regional Development Center

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, November 7, 2005.- Swiss Max Meier, director of the Level III Coaches Course held in Santo Domingo on October 24-November 6, praised the conditions under which professors and students worked at the FIVB Regional Development Center located here. “We met the perfect conditions to work for a level III course,” said Meier before departing. “The conditions at this center, with teams always available for the different type of instructions, made things easier for everybody.” “The most important thing was the high level of competence of the people working here,” he added. Meier also had encouraging words for the students during his speech at the closing ceremony. “The results of the exams were very good and the participants worked really hard,” said Meier. “This also speaks loudly about the level reached by the coaches of the region.” The course was lectured also by Carlos Diaz Bancalari of Argentina and Gilberto Herrera of Cuba. Coaches from 19 countries took part. Spanish

Cuban Jorge Garbey achieved the highest grades at Level III Coaches Course

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, November 6, 2005.- Cuban Jorge Garbey achieved the highest grades during the International Course for Coaches Level III dictated at the FIVB Regional Development Center in the Dominican Republic located in Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte of Santo Domingo. Puerto Ricans David Quinones and Juan Cartagena were tied as the second most outstanding participants in the course directed by Swiss professor Max Meier with the assistance of professors Carlos Diaz Bancalari of Argentina and Gilberto Herrera of Cuba. A total of 35 coaches of 45 participants, from 19 countries approved the final exams of the course that covered 112 hours.  More..Spanish

Spikedown Beach Volleyball continues to grow

MARACAS BAY, Trinidad, November 7, 2005.- With the continued sponsorship from STAG “A Man’s Beer” the 2005 STAG Spikedown Beach Volleyball tournament continued to grow. The partnership between the TTVF and STAG Beer allowed the Spikedown Competition to be taken to four (4) community venues concluding with a Caribbean Beach Volleyball Tournament held on the most popular beach on the island, Maracas Bay. The Caribbean Beach Volleyball tournament featured teams from Barbados, Netherlands Antilles, Jamaica, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Trinidad and Tobago. Total prize money was $ 4000.00 USD. It was held on our Republic Day weekend which ensured large beach crowds and media coverage. While pairs from Trinidad & Tobago filled the top three positions of the women’s side, Barbados was the meat of the sandwich with Trinidadians taking first and third places of the men’s competition. Spanish

Pairs from Guadeloupe and Barbados winners at Antigua Beach Bash

CASTAWAYS BEACH, Antigua, November 5, 2005.- .- Guadeloupean pair of Philippe Pignol and Robin Darchicourt won the Antigua Beach Bash in the men’s division while Lauren Whitehall and Sharon Bovell of Barbados took the title in the women’s side. The event was part of the Sizzlin Sand Beach Volleyball Caribbean Series whose final competition is scheduled for this weekend in Barbados. Pignol and Darchicourt prevailed over Andrew Culpepper and Elwyn Oxley of Barbados in a thrilling match by score of 21-23, 21-15, 15-13 while the duo of Whitehall and Bovell defeated Guadeloupeans Beatrice Aucan and Veronique Berthelot by 21-16, 24-22. Nineteen teams representing five countries took part in the event hosted by Leisure Entertainment and the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association. More..Spanish

Beach Volleyball Circuit with four stops

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, November 3, 2005.- The NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit, an event planned to start with four stops in 2006, was announced during the recent Congress held in Punta Cana. A total prize of US$30,000 will be up for grabs at each tournament equally divided by genders. Also a bonus prize of US$5,000 will be available for the pairs with more total points at the end of the tour. The competition is scheduled to start in Cancun, Mexico (March 23-26) then moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida (April 6-9), Boqueron, Puerto Rico (April 13-17) and Feria Ganadera, Santo Domingo (April 27-May 1). Spanish

Andres Hevia passed away in Cuba

SANTO DOMINGO, October 26, 2005.- It is with great sadness that we inform of the death of Andres “Machito” Hevia of Cuba, one of the most respected referees of all-time whose contributions to the development of volleyball went beyond the frontiers of the North, Central American and Caribbean Confederation. The death of Mr. Hevia, also a fomer player and coach, was announced here by Mr. Omelio Castillo, president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation. On this year celebration of the Centennial of Volleyball in Cuba, Hevia was considered among the top ten most influential persons for the current prestige of Cuban volleyball. Despite his advanced age and recent illness, Mr. Hevia was able to attend the IV Women’s Pan American Cup here in June as member of the refereeing committee in what was his last official assignment in the Confederation. “Andres Hevia is part of the history of the Norceca Confederation and we all will remember him as a great contributor to the improvement of the volleyball in our region,” said Cristobal Marte, president of Norceca. “He will be sadly missed by the entire volleyball family.” Spanish

Dominican Republic the site of Course for Coaches Level III

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, October 25, 2005.- .The Dominican Republic is the site since yesterday of an event that because of its complexity had not been celebrated in fourteen years: The Internacional Course for Coaches Level III. “And our country has been selected, after three years of evaluation, because of the excellence of the Development Center located here,” said Cristóbal Marte, vice president of FIVB and president of Norceca, during the opening of the event. The course is supervised by the Swiss technician Max Meier, who is assisted by Argentinean Carlos Diaz Bancalari and Cuban Gilberto Herrera. “They are 112 hours of hard work, is a course of the highest level, and those who approved it will be ready to coach at any level,” said Meier, who remarked the attendance of coaches from 19 countries and three continents. More..Spanish

NORCECA supports unanimously the re-election of Acosta 

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, October 22, 2005.- The Executive Committee and Board of Administration of the Norceca Confederation and all its 34 National Federations voted unanimously to support the re-election of Doctor Ruben Acosta Hernandez for a new term as president of the FIVB during the period 2006-2010. The decision was adopted during the XVIII Congress of Norceca held for two days in this touristic resort in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic. "I am very pleased with this kind of support in favor of Doctor Acosta," said Cristobal Marte, president of Norceca. "Volleyball as sport has developed into one of the most important discipline under the leadership of him and we are very proud of that because he was the founder of our Confederation." The representatives of the National Federations and the members of the Executive signed the following statement to support the president of the FIVB: The Executive Committee and Board of Administration of the Volleyball North, Central American and Caribbean Confederation and its affiliated National Federations, gathered on the occasion of the XVIII Congress of the institution...More Spanish

Marte re-elected as President of NORCECA

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, October 22, 2005.- Cristobal Marte Hoffiz of Dominican Republic was re-elected as president of the North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation during the second and final day of the XVIII Congress of the organization. Along with Marte, also were elected Alejandro Salinas of Mexico as Executive Vice President and Marta Centeno of Guatemala as General Secretary. Alan Ahac of Canada, Mushtaque Mohammed and Edgar Alvarado, of Canada, Trinidad & Tobago and Costa Rica respectively were chosen as Zonal Vice Presidents and Carlos Beltran of Puerto Rico as Vice President of Beach Volleyball. John Griffith of Barbados, will be the treasurer. Elected as members of the Board of Administration were Angel Iglesias of Cuba, Doug Beal of United States, Bertha Cuadra of Nicaragua, Rupert Sorahindo of Dominica and Glenn Quinlan of St. Kitts. Spanish

Four National Federations awarded during the XVIII Congress

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, October 21, 2005.- Four National Federations of the North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation were recognized for their excellent work in the past two years during the first day of the XVIII Congress Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez. The Federations awarded with plaques were those of Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico for their contributions with Norceca hosting international events and developing volleyball in their respective countries. Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, especially praised the Puerto Rican Federation pointing out the success achieved in the field of marketing the Superior League in both genders. Marte also announced the inauguration of the Men’s Pan American Cup next year, an event where teams will qualify for the America’s Cup. He informed that during the first three years the tournament will be held in Mexico, as it happened with the Women’s Pan American Cup, a qualifier for the World Grand Prix. The morning session was attended by the Minister of Sports of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Felipe Payano, the president of the Dominican Olympic Committee, Mr. Luis Mejia Oviedo, and by Dr. Jose Joaquin Puello, President Ad Vitam of the Dominican Olympic Committee and past president of the Central American and Caribbean Sport Organization (ODECABE). Spanish

Acosta praises Marte and National Federations of NORCECA

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, October 21, 2005.- The President of the FIVB, Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez is very proud of the achievements reached by the NORCECA Confederation in the recent years under the presidency of Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz. In a message read by Mr. Jacques Joachim of Haiti, member of the Board of Administration of the FIVB; during the first session of the XVIII Norceca Congress, Dr. Acosta Hernandez described Marte Hoffiz as not only a driving force of the Norceca volleyball family but also of the world family. The president of FIVB also praised the National Federations who overcame geographical, economical and political obstacles to make possible the holding of a series of successful Continental Rounds leading to the 2006 World Championship. Acosta Hernandez wished all the Federations here present or represented “that all your dreams come true in a short time and that this General Assembly constitute a Congress full of decisions leading toward new achievements in the world of Volleyball.” Spanish  (Complete message pdf)

Sixteen candidates proposed for the Board of Administration

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, October 18, 2005.- Sixteen candidates for the Board of Administration of the North, Central American and Caribbean Confederation (NORCECA) have been submitted by their respective National Federations. The elections for a new governing body of the NORCECA will take place during the XVIII Congress Dr. Rubén Acosta Hernández to be held at Punta Cana Beach Resort on October 21-23. The ten most voted candidates will win their election to the Board of 13 members. Two members have been already selected as presidents of zone association besides the president of the institution who is chosen in a separate election. The presidents of zones associations are Mr. Edgar Alvarado for Central America (AFECAVOL) and Mr. Mushtaque Mohammed for the Caribbean islands (CAZOVA). The proposed candidates are in the alphabetical order of their National Federations are the following: More Spanish

Beltran has big aspirations in NORCECA

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, October 11, 2005.- Even thought the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation is supporting one-hundred percent Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz as President of the North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation, it does not rule out the possibility of Carlos J. Beltran for the Vice Presidency. Beltran will be one of the federations’ leaders and directors of Norceca who will be attending the XVIII Norceca Congress to be held on October 21-23 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Elections of new authorities of Norceca for the period 2005-2009 will take place during the Congress. Beltran is one of the candidates presented by the FPV for several positions in Norceca. “What we want is Puerto Rico to be represented in all the groups,” said the President of the FPV. “And what about the Presidency?” he was questioned. “I don’t think so. Cristobal Marte must remain there, but I don’t know if they have any plan with me for the vice presidency. If that is the case, I would be willing to,” he said. More..Spanish

Farewell of Evelyn Carrera to the international competitions 

San Juan, Puerto Rico,October 10, 2005.-Defense specialist Evelyn Carrera said her farewell to the international competition but no so to the Women’s Volleyball Superior League. The Dominican-Puerto Rican player was the most missed during the recently concluded North Central American and Caribbean Women’s Championship in Trinidad & Tobago. Her absence also will be notable during the V Pan American Cup, the World Grand Prix and the World Championships in Japan, events all to be held in 2006. “It has been many years with the National Team,” said Carrera in a telephone interview with Primera Hora from the Dominican Republic. “I spent 21 years with the National Team. I have been playing this sport since I was 10 years-old and finally I am tired,” said the 33 years-old player.  More ...Spanish

Marte Hoffiz will propose unanimous support for the re-election of Dr. Acosta Hernandez as President of FIVB

The President of Norceca Confederation, Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, will propose to the XVIII Congress of the institution the unanimous support of all its 35 National Federations to the re-election of Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez as President of the Federation Internazionale de Volleyball (FIVB) for the period 2006-2010. Marte Hoffiz stated the the presence of Dr. Acosta Hernandez, as the top leader of the world’s largest sport institution, is a guarantee of excellence and success. With 218 National Federations affiliated and more than 35 million registered players, the FIVB marks the difference among all international sports organizations while achieving an unprecedented growth, both financially and the sport itself, since Dr. Acosta Hernandez was first elected as President of FIVB in 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Acosta Hernandez decided to launch his re-election for a new term during the Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece in August 2004, receiving the unanimous approval from all members of the Executive Committee and Board of Administration. More..Spanish

Agenda of the Congress is announced

The agenda for the XVIII Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez Norceca Congress was announced today by the President of the organization, Mr. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz and include the election of new authorities to a four-year term. The event will be held at Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on October 21-23. The opening ceremony will have the presence of Mr. Felipe Payano, Minister of Sports of the Dominican Republic and Mr. Luis Mejia Oviedo, President of the Dominican Olympic Committee. Also, Mr. Ramon Alexis Garcia, President of the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation, as host country. During the first day, the Norceca Confederation will paid a homage in honor of Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez, President of the FIVB and founder of Norceca, for his great contributions in favor of the development of volleyball around the North, Central American and Caribbean Continent. Each Zonal Association and Commissions within Norceca will present its reports as also will do the representatives from the 2005 Central American Sports Games and the 2006 Central American and Caribbean Sports Games. The agenda also include, among numerous topics, the participation of teams from the Norceca region in the World League, World Grand Prix, Olympic Games and the 2006 World Championships. Also, will be discussed the report on the XXX FIVB World Congress 2006, the Constitution, Code of Conduct, and the General, Financial and Sports Regulations. At the end of the two-day meetings, the General Elections will take place for the Presidential position and the Board of Administration. Spanish

XVII Norceca Congress 2005 in its final stage

The XVIII NORCECA Congress 2005, programmed to be held on October 21-22, 2005 in the beautiful Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort Convention Centre in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with a special dedication in honour of Dr. Ruben Acosta Hernandez, President and Founder of NORCECA Volleyball Confederation and President of the Federation Internationale de Volleyball, FIVB, is now in its final stage of organization. NORCECA’s Staff led by its President Lic. Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, are working around the clock to ensure that all details are foreseen. A special section in NORCECA’s website, has been posted with all necessary information for participating delegates from 35 countries of the North, Central American and Caribbean Region. The official invitation to the Congress has been circulated to all National Federations affiliated to NORCECA, as well as, the procedures for the accreditation of participating delegates. Accommodation forms have been received from a total of 33 National Federations who have confirmed their active participation. All Candidature presentation for NORCECA’s President, Board of Administration and Commission Members have been received in due time. Also, the Central American Region, AFECAVOL, and the Caribbean Region, CAZOVA, have presented the nomination of their candidatures to be elected for NORCECA’s Board of Administration. NORCECA Congress 2005 handbook/working documents and agenda have been already circulated to all participating National Federations. The Agenda is also available in NORCECA’s website special section for the Congress. Spanish

Caguas won the crown in Puerto Rico Women’s League

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 21, 2005.- Caguas surprised everyone by sweeping Mayagüez in the best-of-seven  final playoffs of the Women’s Puerto Rican League. The score in the fourth match was 13-25, 25-22, 25-17 and 25-23. Caguas was the runner-up in last year tournament and took its first title since 2002 and seventh overall. American Kim Willoughby was elected as the Most Valuable Player of the final series. Canadian Stacey Gordon led the Caguas attack with 24 points followed by Willoughby with 21. Puerto Rican Jetzabel del Valle scored 17, including five blocks. Juan Carlos Rodríguez, coach of the new  champions, was elected as Coach of the Year with a total of 101 points. He received 18 first place votes of 28 electors. During the regular series, Caguas finished with an unbeaten record of 18-0. Rodriguez made his debut this year at the helm of Caguas Team. Spanish

Bameso takes a 2-0 lead in Santo Domingo

SANTO DOMINGO, April 21, 2005. - Bameso Team took a 2-0 lead in the final series of the Men’s side of the Metropolitan League of Santo Domingo after a 3-0 (25-20, 25-19 and 25-21) win over Jose Marti. Once again Jose Caceres was the offensive leader of Bameso and he has now 64 points in the first two victories of his side. The best-of-seven series continues on Friday also with the beginning of the Women’s final playoff between Los Prados and Juan Guzman. Los Prados is the favourite of the female side against a Juan Guzman team that is participating for the first time in a final series. Spanish

Mayaguez and Caguas to the finals in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 13, 2005.- Nancy Metcalf hammered 41 points and Shannon Torregrosa and Devon Foster each one added 11 and the Mayaguez Indians advanced to the final series of the Women’s Puerto Rican League with a five-set victory over the Bayamon Cowgirls. The tie-breaker was equaled eight times, the last at 13-all when two spikes of Annerys Vargas and Sheila Lopez were too wide and sealed the triumph for the Indians.  Vargas led Bayamon with 30 points and Barb Bellini had 17. The final score was 16-25, 25-22, 25-14, 23-25, 15-13. Mayaguez will meet Caguas in the final series starting next Thursday. Caguas finished the semifinal phase with a win in four sets over Corozal by score of 25-27, 25-11, 25-18, 25-18. Kim Willoughby led four Caguas players in double figures with 24 points. Jetzabel del Valle scored 16 and Vanesa Velez and Stacey Gordon 14 and 10 respectively. Spanish

Indians secured a tie at first place in semifinals

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 10, 2005.- The Mayagüez Indians secured a tie in the first position of the round robin semifinal series of the Puerto Rican Women’s League with a victory over Caguas 25-23, 25-20, 25-19. The Indians are now 4-1 and Caguas slipped to a 3-2 mark and a tie with the Bayamon Cowgirls in the second place of the standings. Nancy Metcalf led the Indians with 20 points followed by Shannon Torregrosa and Devon Foster with 16 and 10 respectively. For Caguas, Kim Willoughby had 18 points. In the other match on Saturday, Bayamon beat Corozal in three sets by score of 25-16, 25-21, 25-21 with Annerys Vargas leading all the scorers with 16 points seconded by Barb Bellini with 11. For Corozal Brittany Hochevar scored 10. Teams rest on Sunday and on Monday, Mayaguez visits Bayamon in a crucial match for the Cowgirls, while Caguas plays against Corozal which is winless at 0-5.Spanish

Bayamon is still alive in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 9, 2005.- The Bayamon Cowgirls kept alive their chances of advancing to the final playoffs with a victory in straight sets over the Criollas of Caguas by score of 25-22, 26-24, 25-23. With their win, the Cowgirls evened their record at 2-2 while Caguas is now 3-1 and tied at the top of the semifinals with the Mayaguez Indians. Corozal is already eliminated of possibilities with a 0-4 record.  Dominican Annerys Vargas was the top scorer of Bayamon with 22 points and Canadian Barb Bellini followed her with 12. For Caguas, Canadian Stacey Gordon scored 21 points and American Kim Willoughby cooperated with 15. Spanish

Indians took an easy win over Corozal

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 8, 2005.- The Mayagüez Indians took their third victory in the semifinal series defeating the Corozal Pinkin in consecutive sets by score of 25-15, 25-15, 25-16 in just 66 minutes. After losing their first semifinal match against Caguas, the Indians are 3-1 and look a as solid candidates for a berth in the final playoffs. Corozal is out of possibilities. American Nancy Metcalf was the top scorer of Mayaguez with 17 points, Shannon Torregrosa had 16 and Jessica Lopez 11. For Corozal (0-4), Jessenia Resto scored 10 and Brittany Hochevar 9. Spanish