They are good looking girls seeking for a medal 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, June 28, 2006.- Their goal is to step up one notch higher than last year and qualify for the 2007 World Grand Prix. Only that yesterday, they appeared more ready to enter a beauty pageant.

The Puerto Rican Women’s National Team was introduced to the media on Tuesday during a press conference organized by its National Federation two days before the start of the competition at the Fifth Pan American Cup. And dressed with casual and somehow attractive attire, the slender members of the team looked more like models preparing for a fashion show than the good athletes they actually are.

But even with all the necklaces, earpieces, rings and suggestive skirts, they pronounced themselves ready for the ultimate gem.

Aury Cruz, the captain of the team, talked about their objectives of finishing among the top three teams of NORCECA Confederation and thus qualifying for the next year’s World Grand Prix, the premier annual women’s competition of FIVB.

Last year, in Dominican Republic, the Puerto Ricans finished in fourth place among the NORCECA’s teams. The top three ranked teams from the Confederation and the top team from South America qualify for the following WGP.

Playing as host team this time, surely will increase the chances of Puerto Rico who will benefit from the partisans crowds expected at Roberto Clemente Coliseum with capacity for around 12,000.

Mr. Carlos Beltran, president of the Puerto Rican National Federation called for a full support from the fans and Mr. Cristobal Marte, president of NORCECA, praised the organization of the event and the improvement attained by the Puerto Rican National Team during the past few years.

Puerto Rico will play in Pool A with Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. Pool B consists of USA, Cuba, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela and Barbados.