Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic reach semi finals in Monterrey 

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 26, 2006.- Puerto Rico and Dominican  Republic are the first semi finalists of the TV Azteca’s Women Stars Volleyball Cup winning their respective pools with unbeaten records in three outings.

Puerto Rico won Pool B with a victory over Canada in straight sets 27-25, 25-21, 25-22 and Dominican Republic took Pool A in defeating Mexico 25-16, 25-22, 17-25, 25-18.

Tatiana Encarnacion had 14 points for Puerto Rico, who previously defeated USA and Cuba, and is viewed as favorite to win the gold medal in the finals next Friday. Emely Cordonier and Tasha Holness had 13 and 10 points respectively for Canada.

“We secured the first place but need to prepare for the coming matches, so we will take tomorrow for practice and play hard on Thursday and Friday,” said Juan Carlos Nunez, the Puerto Rican coach.

Cindy Rondon and Bethania de la Cruz shared the Dominican offense with 18 and 17 points respectively and Altagracia Mambru added 11. Mexico also had three players in double figures with Bibi Candelas scoring 14, former beach player Martha Revuelta added 12 and Yendy Cortinas chipped in 10.

“I am happy for the victory,” said Miguel Beato Cruz, the Dominican Republic coach. “Mexico played a great game and, without taking anything from them, we failed in our field defense.”

In other matches on Tuesday, Cuba and Peru came out winners and qualified in second place in pools B and A.

Cuba defeated USA 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-21) with outside hitter Yusleny Herrera once again leading her side with 24 points, consolidating as the top scorer of the tournament. Jane Collymore (14), Kathleen Olsovsky (11) and Elisabeth Bachman (10) were the top scorers for USA.

Idalberto Valdes, the coach of Cuba: “Even that was in three sets, it was a interesting and close match because our rivals resisted. Our blocking and defense functioned.”

Yulissa Zamundo led the Peruvian attack with 12 points in their 25-19, 25-22, 25-11 over Costa Rica.

“The match was a good thermometer for us and above all for Costa Rica, I can see evolution in our rivals,” said Carlos Aparicio, the Peruvian coach.

On Wednesday, Cuba meets Mexico and Peru plays against USA in the quarterfinals. Costa Rica and Canada will face for the seventh place on Thursday before the semi finals encounters.

Three matches will close the event on Friday, with the game for fifth place preceding the bronze and gold medal matches.