SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic, August 28, 2005.- Costa Rica qualified to the Final Round of the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championships with a victory in consecutive sets over Guatemala taking advantage of their bigger size at the net. The score was 25-22, 25-15, 25-19. Angela Willis and Ingrid Morales had 13 and 10 points respectively for Costa Rica.

The Costa Ricans recovered from a shaky start in the first set and led 8-6 and 16-11 at the technical time-out with Angela Willis supplying some good attacks. The taller Costa Ricans also controlled the net.

Guatemala led 8-6, but Costa Rica tied up at 8-all behind a block of Paola Ramirez and a touch by Dionisia Thompson. After a tie at 12-all, the Costa Ricans jumped to a 16-12 lead at the second technical time-out benefiting from the blocking of Verania Willis.

The third set was very competitive with Costa Rica leading 8-7 and 16-15 at the pauses. Ana Ramirez made a great effort for Guatemala. A big block by Angela Willis sealed the ticket to Japan.

Maria Orellana, captain of Guatemala: "It has been a great experience for us. We did not play our best and the team seemed to be tied up."

Verania Willis, captain of Costa Rica: "We knew that Guatemala was going to give us a good battle. They played hard despite the disadvantage in size. I am very happy with this qualification."

David Aldana, coach of Guatemala: "This victory of Costa Rica was well deserved. For the volleyball of Central America represents a big step to have one team at the World Championships."

Braulio Godinez, coach of Costa Rica: "It is a big triumph for Costa Rica. The opportunity to go to Japan will be a valuable one for the development of our volleyball. We will need the support of the government and the private companies."