Dominican Republic won inaugural TV Azteca Cup 

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 29, 2006.- The Dominican Republic won the TV Azteca’s Women Stars Volleyball Cup by defeating Peru in four sets in the match for the gold medal. Puerto Rico took the bronze with a victory over Cuba.

The Dominicans, champions of the Central American and Caribbean Games, won by score of 25-17, 25-21, 19-25, 25-17 and finished with an unbeaten record in five outings.

Once again, the main weapons of the Dominicans were their powerful serves and the consistent attack.

Altagracia Mambru was the leading scorer for the Dominicans with 20 points, backed up by Cindy Rondon with 15, Bethania de la Cruz 14 and Sofia Heredia with 11.

Leyla Chihuan led Peru with 13 points, and Natalia Romanova and Yulisa Zamudio contributed 12 and 10 respectively.

Miguel Beato Cruz, the coach of Dominican Republic, praised the good organization of the competition and said “it was a great opportunity to evaluate all our players and with the stellar players back in Dominican Republic to have a real team for the World Championship.”

Puerto Rico defeated Cuba 25-16, 25-22, 26-24 in the match for the third place.

Aury Cruz was the top Puerto Rican scorer with 15 points, Sheila Ocasio and Jetzabel del Valle each had 12 and Tatiana Encarnacion chipped in 10.

Yusleini Herrera was the best Cuban with 15 tallies and Leanne Castaneda added 10.

“It was a very important tournament for us,” said Juan Carlos Nunez, the Puerto Rican coach. “We are a team that is maturing a little with some experienced players and others who need more exposure because are very young.”

In the match for fifth place, Mexico scored a 25-19, 25-21, 25-16 victory over USA. Bibi Candelas was the best Mexican with 17 points and Yendy Cortinas added 13. Jane Collymore led USA scoring 15 points.

The Final ranking of the competition: 1. Dominican Republic, 2. Peru, 3. Puerto Rico, 4. Cuba, 5. Mexico, 6. USA, 7. Canada, 8. Costa Rica.