CALGARY, Canada, June 29, 2022 – Canada scored an upset victory over Turkey to start at home the third and final week of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League.
Despite giving away 31 points via unforced errors, the home girls took the victory in four sets 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-22, 25-23). Canada improved to 4-5 in the standings while Turkey fell to 5-4.
The Canadians held a slight advantage in attacks 54-51 and serves 6-5 but overwhelmed their opponents in blocks 14-4.
Alexa Gray and Kiera Van Ryk led Canada with 22 and 20 points while Hillary Howe added 14 in the victory.
Ebrar Karakurt led all the players in the match with 23 points for the losers. Zehra Gunes also reached double figures with 15 points.
Canada celebrates huge win over Turkey at Women’s VNL
VALLEDUPAR, Colombia, June 29, 2022 – The Julio Monsalvo Castilla Municipal Coliseum will host the women’s volleyball tournament of the Bolivarian Games that will start on Friday, July 1-5.
Five teams composed of players under 23 years-old – Bolivia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru and Venezuela – will play under the round-robin system to determine the three best positions.
There will be two daily matches starting with the Dominican Republic versus Venezuela and Colombia versus Bolivia.
VALLEDUPAR, Colombia, June 28, 2022 – Colombia outdueled Dominican Republic advancing to the gold medal match of the men’s volleyball tournament of the Juegos Bolivarianos.
The Colombians who had not lost one single set in their previous matches edged the resilient Dominicans 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-18, 26-24) before a full house at Julio Monsalvo Castilla Municipal Coliseum.
Now the Colombians will play Chile for the gold medal. The Chileans edged Peru 3-2 (25-21, 23-25, 23-25, 25-13, 16-14).
The bronze medal will be decided in a contest between Peru and the Dominican Republic this Tuesday.
In the match for fifth place, Venezuela came out winners over Bolivia in a five-set duel 3-2 (31-33, 25-18, 24-26, 25-22, 15-11).
SOFIA, Bulgaria, June 28, 2022 – Host Bulgaria defeated Dominican Republic in straight sets to start the third and last week of the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Sofía. Both teams have 3-6 win-loss records.
The Bulgarian team dominated from start to finish and only in the third set the Dominican side was able to show its best weapons. The score was 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-21).
Maria Yordanova led Bulgaria with 22 points, including two blocks and one ace. Nasya Dimitrova and Miroslava Paskova each contributed 10 points in the victory. Gaila Gonzalez led Dominican Republic with 10 points and Jeiniry Martinez finished with nine.
Dominican Republic celebrates during the match against Bulgaria in week 3 of VNL
Bulgaria led in all the scoring categories, including a huge advantage in attacks (43-29). They also had the upper hand in blocks (9-4) and aces (5-0).
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 28, 2022- Outside hitters Madeline Guillén and Natalia Martínez lead the Dominican women’s volleyball team that will participate in the Bolivarian Games to be held in the Colombian city of Valledupar from July 1-5 .
Standing out in the team are middle blockers Estevanie Rabit and Alondra Tapia, setter Camila de la Rosa, opposite hitter Ariana Rodriguez Fung and libero Yaneiris Rodríguez.
Completing the squad are Seliann Concepción, Romina Cornelio, Alanae Margaritha, Iliana Rodríguez Fung and Mia Liberato.
The team will be coached by Dominican Cristian Cruz, alongside Brazilians assitant coaches quien Marcos Macedo and Alexandre Ceccato.
Team delegate is ex captain of the National Team, Milagros Cabral, who is executive of the Women’s National Team Project, presided by Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz.
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 5, 2022.- The Dominican Republic was more impetuous and defeated Mexico 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-9) to claim the second place of the Norceca Challenger Final Four, which concludes this Sunday in Sala 19 de Noviembre.
The Dominicans finished with a record of two wins, both extended to five sets, and a setback against the powerful team from Cuba, champion of the tournament. Mexico concluded with a balance of 1-2.
The Dominican team was led by its two figures with the longest time in the sport, Wilfrido Hernández, top scorer with 25, and Henry Omar Tapia, who contributed 20, followed by Henry Antonio López with 18.
For their rivals, the opposite Diego González was the most productive with 24, while Josué Lopez with 14, and Axel Téllez and Mauro Fuentes, with 11 each, were the ones who achieved double figures.
Dominicans celebrate defeating Mexico
José Alexander Gutiérrez, Venezuelan coach of the Dominican Republic: “We have just tried to mix experience and youth. We won the game, but we have to keep working, gaining experience and keep growing. In this match the fundamental thing was our serve, Mexico has good attackers and when you press them in reception they lose control. In the end we risked and won”
“This result joins the qualification for two junior world championships that the Dominican Republic had not achieved for more than 28 years and the 2023 Pan American Games that have never been done in a qualifying way, but we still have a long way to go.”
Wilfrido Hernández, top scorer of the game: “I think it was a game well played by both teams, Mexico has always been brave, fighting until the end. I think we won because we made fewer mistakes in the last set, we focused on serving strong, having a good complex one ourselves and forcing them to lower the pressure on their serve”.
Jorge Miguel Azair, Coach of Mexico: “We knew that this game was going to be long, we are teams that know each other very well, I think we have the same characteristics, in the end they were much more aggressive than us, in the fifth we gave away balls and took the bombs. They have to learn to improve their tactical work, they have to learn from this and emphasize this. We have to take the good from this tournament and discard the bad.”
Axel Téllez, central player: “Dominicana is not an easy team, every year we are always head to head, but honestly today their players were better in this game. But this does not end here, we have many competitions ahead of us and in the end they all serve us for our participation in the World Championship next August”.
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 5, 2022.- The Cuban team beat Mexico 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-17) and added 10 points, unattainable for their rivals, and secured victory in the Norceca Challenger Final Four, as well as the quota for a similar world qualifying tournament for the League of Nations 2023.
This Sunday the hosts will say goodbye to Puerto Rico and even if they lose, they take the cup, because in the other duel, whether Mexico or the Dominican Republic wins, the team in question will achieve two successes just like the Cubans, but they would only obtain eight points, which allows them only a second place.
On Saturday against the Mexicans, the home opposite Miguel David Gutiérrez with 15 points and the corner player Marlon Yant in his debut with 14 points were the only ones with double figures, while the other leading attacker, Miguel Ángel López, contributed 9, and central defenders Roamy Alonso and Javier Concepción 6 each.
Adrian Goide (14CUB) from Cuba Setting
Nicolás Vives, Coach of Cuba: “Today I maintained a more stable lineup, we have to build up the team work and Mexico required a little more level than the Dominican Republic yesterday, I still require the setter Adrián Goide to work more with the fundamental attackers and introduce to Marlon Yant for communication with the setter. That’s why I kept the first four players on the court. Mexico has always been an opponent that you have to play against and the games are very good, they know how to play and they are a good team.
Roamy Alonso, Cuban middle blocker: “I see the team in good shape, today we got the victory and I’m super happy with the team and the coaching staff. Individually I feel just as good, a little tired because I’ve only been training for a week and I’m trying to take things easy, but doing my bit to contribute to the victory. In these rainy days we have been taking care of ourselves, despite giving our best”.
“With that great player that is Robertlandy Simón I am going to learn a lot, I will be like a sponge absorbing all the knowledge I can acquire to continue improving my career and what better than having a Cuban who can teach me everything”.
Jorge Miguel Azair, Coach of Mexico: “Cuba had years that they did not see the level they show again, they forced us a lot, we could not dominate our game with speed, we tried, we could not and that is what we need to do to play with these teams. There were times when we did, we complicated them; We got them aggressively, we complicated them, but the Cuban power, their service and their very powerful attack dominated us. I tell the boys that this is learning, as they say you win by losing, they have to learn to discipline themselves tactically”.
Axel Téllez, central player: “I saw my team with many ups and downs and a bit of anxiety, but it is a very new generation that we are starting from the bottom, honestly, with everything to gain and nothing to lose. My team is calm, I don’t see it sad, I don’t even want it to stay with something, but learning, because from defeats you learn much more, in the end that’s the sport, there are always victories and setbacks, the question here is only move forward without looking back and yes to what is coming”.
On the last date in the room on November 19 of this city to the west of the Island, Mexico-Dominican Republic (4:00 p.m.) and Cuba-Puerto Rico (6:00 p.m.) will face each other.
VALLEDUPAR, Colombia, June 26, 2022 – The Dominican Republic edged Bolivia 3-2 (25-19, 21-25, 19-25, 25-23, 15-12) in an exciting Pool B men’s volleyball match at the Bolivarian Games.
The match was tied 12-12 when the Dominican block increased and allowed them to win the last three points of the tie-breaker.
In a Group A match, Colombia blanked Venezuela 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-18).
Both Bolivia and Venezuela fell to 0-2 records.
A day before, Chile beat Bolivia 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-16) and Peru beat Venezuela 3-1 (25-22, 20-25, 26-24, 25-20).
SOFIA, Bulgaria, June 26, 2022 – United States lost to Poland 3-1 (21-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-22) to conclude the second week of actions at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League on Sunday.
It was the second defeat for the USA side who also lost to Iran as they fell down to fifth place with a win-loss record of 6-2. Poland is at 7-1 in second place behind France with the same record but separated by set-ratio
Poland’s Captain Bartosz Kurek finished the match with 23 points, followed by Kamil Semeniuk and Aleksander Sliwka with 15 and 13, respectively, in the victory.
Aaron Russell had 16 points as the top American scorer, followed by Torey Defalco with 14.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 19, 2022.- Mexican setter Argentina Ung was named the Most Valuable Player MVP after her team won the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Qualification Tournament on Sunday in Nogales, Sonora.
By winning the NORCECA Final Four, Mexico qualified to the 2023 FIVB Challenger Cup that grants a berth to the International Volleyball Nations League.
Argentina Ung also received the award for Best Setter, along with other teammates that were recognized for their individual performances; with Samantha Bricio as second Best Spiker, Karina Flores and Jocelyn Urias as first and second blockers respectively. Joseline Landeros was handed the award for Best Receiver.
Cuba’s Dezirett Madan was named the Best Opposite Hitter, Thainalien Castillo the first Best Spiker and Claudia Tarin the Best Server.
Victoria Sofía was the Best Scorer and Paula Cerame was granted the awards for Best Libero and Best Digger; both from Puerto Rico.
Individual Awards Women’s NORCECA Final Four Qualification Tournament
NOGALES, Sonora, June 19, 2022.- Mexico qualified to the 2023 FIVB Challenger Cup winning the NORCECA Women’s Final Four defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) on Sunday at Nogales, Sonora.
Mexico concluded the event with a perfect 3-0 record and 15 points, Cuba (2-1) finished in second place with 10 points and Puerto Rico (1-2) third place with 5 points.
Mexico held a 38-33 advantage in kills, a 9-7 margin in blocks and a slim 2-1 in serves. Mexico scored on 26 errors of Puerto Rico and handed out 19.
Middle blocker Karina Flores led Mexico’s offensive with 14 points, leading with 6 blocks, followed by outside hitter Samantha Bricio with 10 points and outside hitter Sofía Maldonado added 9 points.
Two players scored double-digits for Puerto Rico, outside hitter and team captain Sofía Victoria with 14 points and outside hitter Valeria Vazquez with 11 points.
Match action Mexico vs Puerto Rico
Karina Flores, Top scorer of Mexico: “At the beginning we were measuring the ground, on hold and that’s why it was a bit slow. We adjusted, started the race and won. Our coach has a clear objective and has coached us well in winning. The Challenger Cup is a great challenge and we will be committed to prepare ourselves. Mexico’s strength was team work”.
Rafael Petry, Head Coach of Mexico: “The team reached the objective, they are starting to compete at a higher level and not only participating. They worked under pressure because it was practically a final, it’s good for them to do so and reach the result. We will continue with serious work to compete at the Challenger Cup and not go only to participate”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 19, 2022.- Cuba topped Costa Rica in straight sets 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-15) at the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Qualification Tournament on Sunday in Nogales, Sonora.
Cuba finished the event with 2-1 record and 10 points and will have to wait for their final position after the result between Mexico and Puerto Rico. Costa Rica finished 0-3.
Cuba outnumbered Costa Rica by a huge 14-2 margin in blocks, 38-29 in attacks, as well as a 5-1 margin in serves. Cuba committed fewer unforced errors (13-18) than Costa Rica.
Cuban captain Thainalien Castillo Leyva produced 11 points on 8 kills, one block and two aces, accompanied by opposite hitter Dezirett Madain with 10 points on 7 kills, two blocks and one ace, and outside hitter Claudia Tarin with 9 points.
Outside hitter Tamara Espinoza led Costa Rica with 7 points all on kills, opposite hitter Ana Victoria Rojas and outside hitter Maria Sofia Arroyo contributed with 6 points each.
Cuba match protocol
Odaimis Leliebre, Setter of Cuba: “We could have done better because Costa Rica is a team with less strength than ours. With the variations in line-up, we felt good, we have practiced for that, and our objective is to contribute to the development of each player”.
Mónica Picado, Setter of Costa Rica: “We came the entire tournament from less to more, we learned a lot for Central American championships, and we love to play against power houses like Cuba, all for our improvement. We are practicing well, we had good matches and we are looking for our less experienced players to play more, we want to improve Costa Rica’s level of play”.
Joel Olazabal, Head Coach of Cuba: “We changed some players of position because we were aware that Costa Rica’s level was lower than the other teams, to observe all the players. We are satisfied with closing with a victory. We weren’t coming for the berth for the Challenger but to prepare the team and with the incorporation of other players we can have a good result for the Central American Games”.
Pablo Acuña, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “All the players had a chance to perform, this is a tournament for evaluations, preparation, to see what works and to learn. Despite the difficult opponent, the girls were confident, and we managed to hurt them with our weapons. We grew in confidence and the tactical planning, in defense and blocking; there are players that couldn’t travel here and that continue to be important for our process”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 19, 2022.- Legendary Regla Torres received a recognition by the organizing committee of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Qualification Tournament in Nogales, Sonora.
Members of the Sonora Volleyball Association, the Nogales Government, the Municipal Sports Institute of Nogales and the Mexican Volleyball Federation alongside members of the NORCECA control committee presented Cuban Regla Torres a tribute for her successful Volleyball career.
“It is an honor for the City of Nogales to have such a distinguished volleyball legend taking part in this important international tournament, inspiring a new generation of players and contributing to the development of our beloved sport” said Rodolfo Alberti Loyo Rivera, president of the Sonora Volleyball Association.
Regla Torres part of legendary “Las Morenas del Caribe”, the Best Player of the 20th Century, three-time Gold Olympic Medalist and Volleyball Hall of Famer, is part of the coaching staff traveling with the Cuban team competing at the NORCECA Women’s Final Four tournament that grants a spot for the 2023 FIVB Challenger Cup.
The recognition was handed to Regla Torres on Sunday, before the match between Cuba and Costa Rica.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 18, 2022.- Mexico remained undefeated at the Qualification Tournament NORCECA Women’s Final Four after winning in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-22) to Cuba on Saturday night in Nogales, Sonora.
Mexico improved their record 2-0, the only undefeated team and is the favorite to qualify to the 2023 FIVB Final Challenger Cup.
The host prevailed 44-34 in attacks and held a slim 5-4 margin in serves; Cuba led 7-6 in blocks. Mexico committed 18 unforced errors and benefited from 20 Cuban errors.
Outside hitter Samantha Bricio topped Mexico with 13 points on 12 kills and one ace, joined by outside hitter Grecia Castro with 9 points on 7 kills and two aces, while middle blocker Jocelyn Urias tallied 7 points.
Cuban middle blocker Laura Suarez finished with 11 points on 8 kills, 2 blocks and one ace. Middle blocker Dayana Martinez chipped in with 9 points and outside hitter Claudia Tarin scored 7 points.
On day three, Cuba (1-1) faces Costa Rica (0-2) and Mexico (2-0) closes the event against Puerto Rico (1-1).
Flores (25) of Mexico against Cuba
Samantha Bricio, Top scorer of Mexico: “We have worked hard to play like we did today, and I believe all our supporters, technical staff are happy with how we performed today. Compared to Cuba, we were calm, we got out some tough obstacles; this team is a mix of experienced players and young ones that are giving a lot to the team. Tomorrow, we hope to do the same or better than today, we must close well, win and reach our short-term objective that is the Challenger Cup”.
Laura Suárez, Top scorer of Cuba: “We were aware that we were facing the host team and that they are coming for the Challenger Nations League; we should have battled more but sadly the victory wasn’t ours. We must learn, we needed more energy, yesterday was more emotional and today we didn’t do well”.
Rafael Petry, Head Coach of Mexico: “We were expecting to win because we have worked a lot for it, things worked well despite some aspects out of our control. The team was patient, they had the necessary calm to recover in reception and transition to reach victory. We hope for the same concentration, the same willingness, team effort and that they work for one another. We hope that added to our patience, we can have other strengths, with people that can give to the team”.
Joel Olazabal, Head Coach of Cuba: “We thought we could have won one set to Mexico, but we had deficiencies in passing, there is much to work on yet. The players got desperate because Mexico is more technical than us and defended a lot, watching that the ball couldn’t spike made them get confused and fall into errors. Mexico showed more experience. Tomorrow we must close strong, take advantage of our height against Costa Rica and play by the middle”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 18, 2022.- Puerto Rico earned their first win at the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Qualification Tournament by defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (28-26, 25-19, 25-20) on Saturday at Nogales, Sonora.
Puerto Rico won a dramatic first set after failing three set points and moving into the second set with strength to jump to an early six-point lead (14-8), finishing in three straight sets, dominating with a 47-32 advantage in kills and benefiting from 24 Costa Rican errors. Puerto Rico also led 6-2 in blocks, but Costa Rica held a slim 2-1 margin in serves.
Three players scored double-figures in Puerto Rico’s offense, led by opposite hitter Elissa Alcantara with 17 points on 15 kills and 2 blocks, outside hitter Valeria Vazquez and team captain Sofia Victoria added 11 points each.
Costa Rica was headed by outside hitters Tamara Espinoza with 11 points all on kills and Tania Carazo with 10 points also on kills.
On the last day of competition, Puerto Rico (1-1) faces host Mexico (1-0) and Costa Rica (0-2) closes with Cuba (1-0).
Puerto Rico during match protocol
Elissa Alcantara, Top Scorer of Puerto Rico: “Honestly, it was about time we won; as a team we’ve been waiting for this moment, so it’s nice. In the first set we had a lot of silly mistakes, we started tipping, serving hard and making aggressive attacks. For tomorrow we are excited to face Mexico and we really want to win”.
Tania Carazo of Costa Rica: “In the first set we managed to press Puerto Rico with our serves, we took better risks with our defense despite them being offensively really good. We must work harder in defense, which is our best strength and be smarter over the net”.
Fernando Morales, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “Costa Rica played strong the whole match, we played better than yesterday, but still committed errors from our younger players that we must improve for tomorrow. It was a match with long rallies, Costa Rica did a great job in defense, and it was difficult, it was a hard match”.
Pablo Acuña, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “Our serves were effective in the first set, tactically we executed our game plan, the energy of the girls was better than yesterday, and we were more aggressive in attacks, hitting high, looking for their hands and that helped us unbalance Puerto Rico. It was an exciting match and Puerto Rico had to work for the win. Tomorrow, we hope for fewer errors and be more aggressive in serves, go on improving”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 17, 2022.- Mexico stormed by Costa Rica 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-14) on day one of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Qualification Tournament on Friday in Nogales, Sonora.
Mexico overwhelmed Costa Rica leading with huge scores in all three sets, with every player having time on court.
The host enjoyed a 38-22 margin in attacks, while outblocking Costa Rica 8-1 and leading 3-0 in serves. Mexico committed 16 unforced errors and Costa Rica a total of 26.
Middle blocker and captain Jocelyn Urias led Mexico with 11 points on 7 kills and 3 blocks; middle blocker Karina Flores Gamez and outside hitter Grecia Castro contributed with 7 and 6 points respectively.
Costa Rica’s top scorer was outside hitter Tamara Espinoza with 8 points all on kills.
On day two of the event, Costa Rica (0-1) faces Puerto Rico (0-1) and Mexico (1-0) will play Cuba (1-0).
Match action between Costa Rica and Mexico
Jocelyn Urías, Captain of Mexico: “Everything worked well for us, our communication was perfect. Our team has players who are playing in the United States, and they are growing. We are very happy with today’s performance. We are prepared to face a strong Cuban team tomorrow; our goal is to win every match”.
Rafael Petry, Head Coach of Mexico: “It was a good debut; we are happy for the victory. Everyone had the opportunity to give the first step in the competition. I liked that my team was calm, with good transitions in the first two sets. We are going to study Cuba tonight because we need our eyes always looking ahead”.
Marcela Araya, Captain of Costa Rica: “We did a good effort against a great opponent. We lacked consistency, on occasions we put pressure and a first match is always difficult, we will improve our level with each match. For our next rival we must focus on our strengths, Puerto Rico is a young team”.
Pablo Acuña, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “Some players were too shy and lacked confidence which affected us in the beginning; being down with such a huge margin in the scores is not the best beginning for any team. In some frames we showed we can compete, but our shyness forced us to commit errors which we usually don’t. To face Puerto Rico tomorrow we need to improve in confidence to have good defense and attacking, our serves will help us”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 17, 2022.- Cuba beat Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-20) in the first match of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Qualification Tournament on Friday at Nogales, Sonora.
Cuba held advantages in attacks (43-32), blocks (6-4) and serves (4-2). Cuba scored 22 points on Puerto Rico’s errors and handed out 17.
Middle blocker Dayana Martinez and outside hitter Claudia Tarin charted 11 points each in Cuba’s first victory; Martinez on 7 attacks, 3 blocks and one ace, while Tarin scored on 10 kills and one ace. Team captain Thainalien Castillo Leyva added 10 points.
Outside hitter and team captain Sofia Victoria led Puerto Rico with 10 points all on kills, joined by outside hitter Elaine Vazquez with 9 points.
On day two of competition, Cuba faces host Mexico and Puerto Rico goes up against Costa Rica.
Suarez (4 CUB) attacks
Thainalien Castillo Leyva, Captain of Cuba: “We were strong, united, we battled as a team, and we hope to keep it up. We can’t loosen against any of our opponents, and we have practiced a lot to do so, we have physical condition and energy”.
Sofía Victoria, Captain of Puerto Rico: “Despite falling, we felt good, it’s our first time playing together. We are adjusting, we are the future of Puerto Rico. We hope to do better the next couple of days”.
Joel Olazabal, Head Coach of Cuba: “We believe our teams’ performance was good, it’s only the first match and despite knowing this isn’t Puerto Rico’s A team. Every player will compete. Tomorrow we’ll give a good spectacle against Mexico”.
Fernando Morales, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “We are aware we’re bringing a team with little experience and the errors were because of our lack of experience. I believe we played well for moments, but not an entire set. We will improve with each match; they have never played together and our rhythm will improve as well”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 16, 2022.- Costa Rica, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico are excited for the start of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four after the preliminary inquiries for the event that runs from June 17-19 in Nogales, Sonora.
The NORCECA Final Four, is a round-robin qualification tournament where the first place will compete at the FIVB Final Challenger Cup that advances one team to the 2023 International Volleyball Nations League.
Canada won the NORCECA Final Four in 2019 and then went on to win the FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup held in Lima to progress to the VNL.
Joel Olazabal, Head Coach of Cuba: “We want to evaluate the players we are bringing, some have been playing overseas and others training since February, depending on their performance here they can help us in the Final Six and the Pan American Cup for our NORCECA ranking to qualify for Central American Games. We aren’t aiming to win the berth to the World Final, because many players just finished their leagues and don’t have the training to be here”.
Pablo Acuña, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “We are excited to compete, our focus this year is the Central American Games at the end of the year in Guatemala. We are approaching this competition as three good preparation matches. We have prepared to give our best against Cuba, Puerto Rico and Mexico; our expectation is to compete with them well and continue our preparation for the end of the year”.
Rafael Petry, Head Coach of Mexico: “I see my girls motivated, well prepared and with their minds in reaching the objective of finishing first place in the event. All teams don’t have time for errors, because it’s a short competition and I consider my team capable of managing the pressure”.
Fernando Morales, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “The team we’re here with is young but talented, mostly players that are playing in universities in the U.S. because our professional league in Puerto Rico is currently running (belated for Covid). We are eager to watch them compete at this level, it’s a short tournament which we’ll take out the best”.
NOGALES, Sonora, June 15, 2022.- Members of the control committee and the organizing committee of the NORCECA Women’s Challenger Final Four tournament, carried out several inspections at Carlos Hernandez Carrera Gym, the competition venue.
The joint meeting between NORCECA control committee, the Mexican Volleyball Federation and local sports authorities was conducted by Director of Competition Alberto Arreola, who followed a thorough checklist to complete all regulation requirements.
The qualifier event will grant one ticket to the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Nations League Challenger Cup, which offers the opportunity to qualify the top two teams replacing the two bottom teams to the VNL previous year.
Inspection Day
Wednesdays’ inspections included evaluating the schedule of competition for the first day, as an opening ceremony is set to take place before the match between Mexico and Costa Rica; therefore, the first match between Puerto Rico and Cuba will be moved thirty minutes earlier as scheduled.
Costa Rica, Cuba, Puerto Rico and host Mexico will go through the preliminary inquiry on Thursday for the three-day competition that starts on Friday.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 12, 2022.- Opposite hitter of the U.S. Merrit Beason was elected the Most Valuable Player “MVP” of the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup that concluded on Sunday at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
During the awarding ceremony, Merrit Beason was joined by other players who were recognized for their outstanding performance during the event, among them another gold medalist, Chloe Chicoine who was granted the 1st Best Spiker award.
From Argentina, runner up of the U21 Pan American Cup, Valentina Vaulet was awarded as the best opposite and best scorer, while Avril Garcia was selected as 1st best blocker.
Individual Awards Women’s U21Pan American Cup
Cassandra Simental of Mexico, bronze medal winner, received three individual awards as best libero, receiver and digger. Also from Mexico, Regina Perez was granted the award for best setter.
The best 2nd blocker was Marcelle Baez of Puerto Rico and Canadian Madyson Saris was the 2nd best spiker and server.
Final Ranking: 1. United States; 2. Argentina; 3. Mexico; 4. Chile; 5. Cuba; 6. Puerto Rico; 7. Canada; 8. Dominican Republic; 9. Costa Rica; 10. Honduras.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 12, 2022.- United States claimed the gold medal of the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup over Argentina 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-22, 25-14) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
United States finished undefeated with a 5-0 record. This is the second title for the United States in the history of the event, also beating Argentina in the 2017 edition. United States also qualified to the 2023 FIVB World Championship as one of the two top finishers from NORCECA.
Argentina ended with a 4-2 record (both losses to USA), winning their third silver medal (2015, 2017).
United States led 53-42 in attacks while Argentina held advantages in blocks (12-9) and points from serves (6-5). United States committed 21 errors and Argentina 30.
USA Gold Medal, Argentina Silver Medal, Mexico Bronze Medal
Opposite hitter Merritt Beason topped the U.S. scorers with 17 points on 14 kills and three blocks, joined by middle blockers Rebekah Allick and Breanna Kelley with 14 and 10 points respectively.
Argentina’s leading attacker was outside hitter Milena Margaria with 17 points and opposite hitter Valentina Vaulet added 13 points.
Daniel Fisher, Head Coach of United States: “We are really happy for the win. I think the girls were feeling a little tense for a while, but we worked through it and settled down in our reception. We also got some nice energy from players coming off the bench and ended the fourth set playing good volleyball. Argentina is very good and put a lot of stress on us with their serves, but that’s what good teams do”.
Rebekah Allick, Middle blocker of United States: “Going into the third set after losing the second, our minds were set on working hard, focus on the controllable and loving hard on each other because we are all so competitive, independent strong women that uplift one another. When I’m given the opportunity, I always take advantage, everyone gets their moments, I’m on a great team”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 12, 2022.- Mexico downed Chile 3-0 (26-24, 25-11, 25-19) to win the bronze medal of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup on Saturday at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Mexico snatched the first set from Chile, recovering from a four-point deficit 20-24 in a dramatic 26-24 finish and onward to dominate the next two sets. Mexico also beat Chile with a sweep in pool-play.
Besides winning bronze, Mexico qualified to the 2023 FIVB World Championship. The hosts finished third place with a 3-2 record; this is their second medal in the history of the event, they reached the podium winning gold in 2013. Chile in fourth place ends with 2-3 record.
Mexico held a 44-33 advantage in attacks and an overwhelming 10-2 margin in serves; both teams scored 6 points from blocks. Mexico limited their errors to 13 and scored on 16 points from Chilean errors.
Cantu Sara, Topete Aime blocks MEX – Schwartzman Petra spike CHI
Mexican team captain Aime Topete scored a match-high of 23 points on 19 kills, one block and three aces. The other player with double-figures was opposite hitter Katherine Cruz with 11 points on 7 kills, two points on blocks and two on serves.
Opposite hitter Petra Schwarzman led Chile with 15 points on 13 kills and two blocks.
Luis León, Head Coach of Mexico: “Both teams had their energy low after losing semifinals. This was our fifth match against Chile, we had three friendly matches and two here in the tournament, we know each other well, statistically, tendencies and trajectories, that’s why the first set was so close and that blew Chile away. We closed the competition well, we reached our goals, qualifying to worlds and reaching the podium”.
Aime Topete, Captain of Mexico: “We were focused in the first set, following our technical staff instructions and we gave our all. I believe that with more energy we can win the gold medal in next tournaments, we have the potential to do so. Now we must work and prepare for worlds”.
LA PAZ, Baja California, June 12, 2022.- Cuba finished the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup in fifth place beating Puerto Rico 3-2 (17-25, 25-15, 25-13, 18-25, 15-11) on Sunday at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Cuba concluded the event with a 3-1 record and Puerto Rico with 1-3 for fifth and sixth position. Cuba also beat Puerto Rico in pool-play but in four sets.
The Cuban team prevailed 60-56 in attacks, 8-7 in blocks and 6-4 in serves. Cuba committed 22 unforced errors and Puerto Rico 26.
Cuban Outside hitter Hhitney James scored a match-high of 26 points on 22 kills, 2 blocks and 2 aces, followed by outside hitter Claudia Tarin and middle blocker Lisania Grafort with 15 and 14 points respectively.
Outside hitter and team captain Valeria Flores led Puerto Rico with 21 points on 20 kills and one block, joined by middle blocker Mileidy Paret with 20 points on 16 kills, one block and 3 aces; and middle blocker Marcelle Baez added 10 points.
Rogelio Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba: “After losing the opportunity to qualify to finals, our athletes weren’t in their best shape; they went on improving during the match. Puerto Rico was highly motivated; we had some deficiencies in blocking and defense despite winning”.
José Rivera, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “We are glad, we gave our all. After winning the first set we were expecting their reaction, it was the same as in the past match. We told the players not to settle for only one set and keep pressing. We must continue working in the fundamentals of the game, we did well in blocking and offensively we were present”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 11, 2022.- United States will play for the title of the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup after winning their semifinal match to Chile 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-9) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
United States will battle for the gold against the winner of the second semifinal between the host Mexico and Argentina. The Americans had already won a berth to the 2023 FIVB World Championship as one of the top two finishers from NORCECA in the event with Chile beating Cuba in quarterfinals.
This the second time the U.S. plays for the title, the first time was in 2017 when they won the gold to Argentina.
The U.S. dominated Chile with superiority in every skill; attacks (43-18), serves (12-2) and blocks (9-4). United States limited their unforced errors to 9 and Chile to a total of 11.
USA attacks against Chile
Middle blocker Beanna Kelley led the Americans with 13 points on 9 kills, 3 blocks and one ace and outside hitter Mckenna Wucherer added 11 points from 7 kills, one block and three aces.
From Chile, outside hitter Dominga Aylwin scored 12 points from 11 kills and one block as their leading scorer.
Alexis Rodríguez, Captain of United States: “We went out with defensive intensity, we knew they were going to be a scrapy team, so we just stuck to that; also, we battled our serving-pass and won that as well. We’re ready for the title match, it will be exciting facing either one: with Mexico we will enjoy the atmosphere and with Argentina an interesting re-match”.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach of Chile: “It’s hard to evaluate when you face an opponent that’s at a higher level than yours, they outplay us in all: height, strength, technique, positioning. We must bet on those teams at our same level of play and learn, improve and one day play like them (USA). Being among the four finalists is already a victory and if we reach the podium, it’ll be a plus”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 11, 2022.- Canada beat Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-22) to finish seventh place at the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at the Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Canada with 3-2 record and three consecutive wins finishes seventh place in the event. Dominican Republic with an overall 1-3 record takes eighth place.
A late reaction from Dominican Republic in the third set coming close to recovering from a six- point deficit (15-21) might have extended the action, but Canada’s determination pulled off a straight set victory.
Canada’s offense in attacks ended with a huge 43-16 advantage as well as a comfortable 13-6 margin in points from serves. Canada committed 23 unforced errors against 12 from Dominican Republic. Both teams scored 7 points on blocks.
Cuevas Elsa spikes DOM – Wahlgren Viktoria, Pollock Jenna block CAN
Outside hitter Madyson Saris of Canada scored a match-high of 21 points, leading in aces with 6 points. Outside hitter and team captain Emoni Bush contributed with 15 points on 12 kills, one block and two aces, while Sullie Sundara picked up 12 points from 9 kills and 3 aces.
Setter Ariana Rodriguez and middle blocker Vallery Martinez led Dominican Republic with 6 points each.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Coach of Canada: “We knew we were facing a strong team like Dominican Republic, but we did a good job executing our game plan, it was an awesome job from the athletes. Two things stood out, a good job from the service line putting a lot of pressure on them and getting them out of system, and we also did a good job attacking high and deep and challenging them in some difficult digs”.
Madyson Saris, Top scorer of Canada: “We prepared well for them, we saw lots of film and we did a good job putting what we watched into the game. Generally speaking, it was a great experience for everyone playing internationally”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 11, 2022.- Costa Rica won the Central American clash to Honduras 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-17) for nineth place of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Costa Rica finished the event with 1-4 win-loss record and Honduras with 0-4, for ninth and tenth place accordingly.
Costa Rica set their pace in the second set while having difficulties getting into rhythm in the first set to come out in straight sets.
Costa Rica dominated Honduras with a huge 43-25 advantage in attacks; they also were more effective in blocks (8-4) and serves (9-2) but committed more errors (23-15).
Torres Sofia spike CRC – Duran Dazly, Siliezar Shantte
Once again opposite hitter Angelica Rodriguez led Costa Rica’s offense scoring 16 points on 12 kills, 3 blocks and one ace, while outside hitter Nicole Mata added 11 points on 9 kills and two aces. Outside hitter Sofia Torres and middle blocker Dannia Leon chipped in with 7 points each.
Outside hitter Andrea Aceituno was Honduras leading scorer with 11 points on 10 kills and one ace.
Henry Rodríguez, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “We played one more match than Honduras, and they had a rest day, that’s why I think we had difficulties to get in rhythm. We had nice games for our team’s growth. I am satisfied with this result, it was expected. Before going in July to the Central American Championship in Belize, we must adjust, many things we practiced and didn’t do, and each player must self-correct”.
Marvin Ulloa, Head Coach of Honduras: “The players demand too much of themselves, our instructions are to go one step at a time, first execute well and then think about winning. There’s a combination of anxiety and errors before thinking in the actions of the game and playing well”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 10, 2022.- Chile outplayed Cuba 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 27-25) and will clash with the United States in the semifinals of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup in Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
With Chile’s victory over Cuba, United States and Mexico won the two berths for the 2023 FIVB World Championship as the top two NORCECA finalists of the event.
Chile will face the United States in one of the semifinals, while Argentina meets Mexico in the other semifinal. Cuba will play Puerto Rico for fifth place, a rematch of pool-play won by Cuba.
In the third set, the South American team missed two match points in a dramatic finish before celebrating their win in straight sets.
Chile had a spectacular night outplaying Cuba in serves 9-5 and committing fewer errors (15-24). Cuba led 45-40 in attacks and finished with a slim 6-5 margin in blocks.
Tarin Basilia, Grafort Lisania blocks – Schwartzman Petra spike CHI
Outside hitter Florencia Giglio topped Chile with 15 points on 14 kills and one ace, Dominga Aylwin followed with 14 points on 10 kills, one block and three aces, while opposite hitter Petra Schwartzman tallied 10 points on 7 kills, one block and two aces.
Opposite hitter Yalain De La Peña led Cuba with 15 points on 10 kills, 2 blocks and 3 aces, accompanied by setter Beatriz Lopez with 11 points on 10 kills and one block, and by Lisania Grafort with 10 points on 9 kills and one block.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach of Chile: “From the beginning I’ve been saying that I like my team, it’s a group of girls that work hard and today luckily things came out better. We are happy. Now we must prepare for what’s next”.
Rogelio Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba: “We met with an organized opponent in defense, they fought every single ball. On the contrary, we were erratic in blocking and defense, which caused us to lose the match to Chile. Our best pieces had a poor performance and provided little for our team’s success”.
LA PAZ, Baja California, June 10, 2022.- Argentina dominated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-20, 25-12, 25-13) to move into the semifinals of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup being held at Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Argentina (3-1) will play against the host Mexico in Saturday’s semifinals. Puerto Rico (1-2) will face the loser of the other quarter final match between Cuba and Chile.
The tournament qualifies the two top teams of NORCECA to the 2023 FIVB World Championship.
Argentina won their quarter final pushed by Puerto Rico only in the first set, then they went forward with no complications grabbing their semifinal spot.
The South Americans held a huge 42-19 advantage in attacks and a comfortable 8-3 margin in both blocks and aces. Puerto Rico committed fewer errors (17-20) than Argentina.
Aruga Julieta ARG sets
Opposite hitter Valentina Vaulet and middle blocker Avril Garcia scored 12 points apiece as Argentina’s leading scorers. Vaulet with 10 kills and two aces, and Garcia with 7 kills and 5 blocks. Outside hitter Milena Margaria added 9 points.
Outside hitter and team captain Valeria Flores led Puerto Rico with 8 points on 7 kills and one block, joined by outside hitter Grace Lopez with 6 points on 4 kills and 2 serves.
Victoria Caballero, Captain of Argentina: “We are always focused on our game, every match is intense and important. We were focused on our serves, putting in the ball at the firs and we played defensively as well”.
Valeria Flores, Capitana de Puerto Rico: “We lacked communication and energy, added to the fact that we are tired, but mostly we didn’t execute. They (Argentina) had more energy than us. Our expectation for our next performance is to win”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 10, 2022.- Canada will face Dominican Republic for seventh place at the Women’s U21 pan American Cup after defeating Honduras 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-9) in a classification match for 7-10 places in La Paz Arena of Baja California Sur.
On Saturday, Canada (2-2) goes up against Dominican Republic (1-2) who beat Costa Rica earlier. A Central American battle between Honduras (0-3) and Costa Rica (0-4) will decide ninth place.
Honduras had some exciting digs mostly in the first and second sets, but nothing to get Canada out of their game system.
Canada overwhelmed Honduras with a huge 35-10 margin in attacks and 18-3 in serves, they also did better in blocks 8-6. Canada committed more errors than Honduras (22-14).
Noble Isabella CAN sets
Outside hitter Maryn Boldon of Canada led all scorers with 14 points on 7 kills, 3 blocks and 4 aces, followed by outside hitter Madyson Saris with 13 points on 10 kills and 3 aces, and opposite hitter Lucy Borowski contributed with 11 points on 8 kills and three points from serves.
Outside hitter Genesis Oyuela scored 8 points from 6 kills and 2 aces for Honduras.
Maryn Boldon, Top scorer of Canada: “All our hard work kind of paid off, what we’ve done in practices, we executed what we’ve been working on as a team, we played with a lot of joy, and it helped us to play at our potential. Dominican Republic will push us tomorrow, it’s exciting and hopefully we’ll end on a high note”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Coach of Canada: “The match got a little close in the first two sets, Honduras was making pretty good digs that challenged us and we made a few errors on our side. Tomorrow against the Dominican Republic we are going to have to work very hard because they are a scrappy team”.
Génesis Oyuela, Top scorer of Honduras: “I believe we could have done more, not every day we get to face Canada. We improved by enjoying the match, this is a great experience for us and it prepares us for our next Central American championship in July in Belize. With these matches we can better understand our strengths and weaknesses”.
LA PAZ, Baja California, June 10, 2022.- Dominican Republic beat Costa Rica in straight sets 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-18) in a classification match for positions 7-10 at the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Dominican Republic will play for seventh place against the winner between Canada and Honduras, while Costa Rica plays the loser for ninth place.
The Caribbean team had some complications in the third set but quickly came out to win their first match of the event prevailing with 36-21 margin in attacks, a slim 5-4 margin in blocks and a comfortable 12-3 advantage in serves.
Dominican Republic and Costa Rica battleing over the net
Three Dominicans scored double-figures, led by setter Ariana Rodriguez with 14 points on 9 kills, one block and 4 aces, outside hitter Marcelly Perez scored 12 points on 10 kills and 2 aces, and middle blocker Alanae Margaritha scored 12 points.
Costa Rica’s top scorer was opposite hitter Angelica Rodriguez with 6 points.
Cristian Cruz, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “We were aware we could win this match, but we are still struggling with confidence from the players. Tomorrow is an important match and today I tried to move our lineup because everyone is necessary to face our opponent, which could be Canada. We used a 6-2 system, using two setters that are also outside hitters, it’s an alternative for tomorrow”.
Henry Rodríguez, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “Against big teams like this one, we try to score the most points we can and try to push them to win the set, without letting our opponent move too much ahead; today we did it in the third set, against the Queens of the Caribbean. We improvised with another player as libero, trying to be ready for our last match that could be against Honduras”.
NOGALES, Mexico, June 10, 2022 – The International League NORCECA Women’s Final Four, a qualifier to the FIVB Challenger to the Volleyball Nations League will take place here in Nogales, Sonora with the participation of teams from Costa Rica, Cuba, Puerto Rico and host Mexico.
The competition calendar runs from June 17 to 19 with the arrival of teams scheduled on June 15 and departing on June 20. Teams will play against each other for one single match with the top ranked team earning the ticket to the FIVB Challenger.
The Volleyball Nations League is the premier tournament of FIVB with the participation of the top 16 teams. The FIVB Challenger offers the opportunity to qualify to the top two teams replacing the two bottom teams of the VNL in the previous year.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 9, 2022.- The United States advanced directly into semifinals winning pool B over Argentina in an exciting 3-1 (25-16, 25-21, 22-25, 27-25) at the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at the Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
The Americans join Mexico in the semifinals as the top ranked pool winners, while Argentina will play the quarter finals after finishing second in pool B against Puerto Rico on Friday. The other pool winner was Cuba that will play in the quarter finals against Chile.
The tournament grants two berths to the 2023 FIVB World Championship for the two NORCECA top finishers.
The U.S. jumped to comfortable leads early in sets one and two, Argentina’s pressure for the service line in the third helped them to recover from a five-point deficit (13-18) only to put tension extending the actions to a fourth and final set, led by Argentina up to 18 all.
The United States held a 59-41 advantage in attacks and a comfortable 15-9 margin in blocks, while Argentina controlled serves 10-5. The U.S. handed out 27 points from unforced errors and Argentina 20.
Beason Merritt spike USA – Ossvald Josefina, Margaria Milena blocks USA
Opposite hitter Merritt Beason of United States scored a tournament-high of 28 points, on 25 kills and three blocks. Also contributing to the U.S. victory were outside hitter Norah Sis with 15 points on 13 kills, one block and one ace and middle blocker Breanna Kelley with 12 points on 7 kills and 5 blocks.
Argentina’s leading scorers were opposite hitter Valentina Vaulet with 21 points on 16 kills and leading in aces 5 points, middle blocker Avril García who added 14 points on 9 kills, 3 blocks and two aces, and outside hitter Milena Margaria tallied 11 points on 10 kills and one block.
Daniel Fisher, Head Coach of United States: “We were playing very consistently, I liked how we performed both offensively and defensively. Congratulations to Argentina for changing the game with a very strong service game; that got the crowd going. I thought we settled back in the middle of the fourth set, by receiving the ball better and we got some nice contributions from Elia Rubin coming off the bench. We are excited for playoffs”.
Marcelo Silva, Head Coach of Argentina: “It was a beautiful match. They (United States) played well the first two sets; we were able to carry out what we needed in the next two. I believe some critical points weren’t called. I am glad because the team fought up to the end”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 9, 2022.- Chile beat Honduras 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-7) to advance into the quarterfinal round of the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan Am Cup being held at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Chile with 1-1 record advanced into the quarterfinal round as second place of pool B of the event that grants tickets for the top two NORCECA teams to the 2023 FIVB World Championship. Honduras with 0-2 will play matches for 7-10 places.
The South Americans held an overwhelming 40-16 advantage in attacks, a 2-0 margin in blocks and a considerable 12-2 margin in serves. Honduras committed one less error (20-21) than Chile.
Caraccioli Maria attacks CHI
Outside hitter Doming Aylwin of Chile was the only player with double figures, scoring 13 points on 8 kills and 5 aces. Middle blocker Enikki Canedo and outside hitter Daniela Maureira contributed with 7 points each.
Opposite hitter and team captain Dazly Duran led Honduras with 6 points on 4 kills and 2 aces.
Ana Erskine, Captain of Chile: “We started with great energy, confident of our game and wanting to do things well, we showed it on the court. We must improve in being more offensive while attacking under our opponents’ pressure”.
Dazly Duran, Captain of Honduras: “It was a difficult match, we had a good second set, but our energy has been affecting us. This tournament is good preparation for us. Chile was good in attacking and their serving frequency was effective, finding spaces to hurt us”.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach of Chile: “After studying Honduras we thought this could be the outcome. This match helps us to gain more confidence and improve our game level. We performed orderly, in the second half of the second set we decided to serve to put the ball in play and take the opportunity to work in our counterattack. Now in the quarterfinals we wait for our opponent. Dominga (7) did it well, she is tuning up and is one of our younger players, born 2005”.
Marvin Ulloa, Head Coach of Honduras: “We had preparation matches before coming here, but the team hasn’t performed at their capacity. Only in the second set we are executing the game fundamentals. I am taking as homework to have more preparation matches for next tournaments”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 9, 2022.- Cuba won first place in pool A beating Dominican Republic in straight sets 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 25-17) at the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Cuba with 2-0 record and 9 points sealed their way into the next round but will have to wait if it’ll be in the quarter finals or directly into semifinals after the result between United States and Argentina. The event qualifies two NORCECA teams to the 2023 FIVB World Championship.
Dominican Republic with 0-2 record will play classification matches for places 7-10.
Cuba topped Dominican Republic in every skill, with 36-28 margin in attacks, 10-4 in blocks and 7-5 in service points. Cuba finished with 20 unforced errors and Dominican Republic with 22.
With double-figures, once again middle blocker Lisania Grafort led Cuba with 15 points on 9 kills, 4 blocks and one ace, outside hitter Claudia Tarin followed with 12 points on 10 kills, one block and one ace, while outside hitter and team captain Thainalien Castillo contributed with 10 points on 7 kills and 3 aces.
Outside hitter Marcelly Perez and middle blocker Alanae Margaritha scored 8 points apiece on Dominican Republic’s side.
Thainalien Castillo, Captain of Cuba: “Our team unity was crucial, there was excellent communication, we fought together, we were strong minded in our actions. We were more secure today than yesterday. Our coaches’ instructions were to use our strength, for this is what we train for many hours”.
Crismely Rodriguez, Captain of Dominican Republic: “Despite giving our all on the court, the result wasn’t favorable. Cuba won because they played with more energy, I believe that the attitude.
Rogelio Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba: “The team never gave up, they played with lots of guts, there were ups and downs, but the girls are getting into a good dynamic. I think we can improve in blocking”.
Cristian Cruz, Head Coach of Dominican Republic: “We have been training well, we had a good preparation, we have been working hard but without competition and it showed in our mind deficiency. The pressure blocked them; it didn’t let them develop their potential”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 9, 2022.- Canada´s impressive 22-3 margin in serves earned them their first win at the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-11) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Canada concludes the preliminary round with 1-2 record for third place in pool C, while Costa Rica ends in fourth (0-3). Both teams will play for positions 7 to 10 of the event.
Canada’s best performance was in the third set, offensively dominating Costa Rica not only with an impressive margin in serves but with a huge 36-14 advantage in attacking. The North American team also led 4-3 in blocks but committed more errors than Costa Rica (25-13).
Canada blocks Costa Rica
Outside hitter Madyson Saris led Canada with 15 points on 10 kills and 5 aces, accompanied by team captain Emoni Bush with 14 points on 7 kills, two blocks and 5 aces; outside hitter Sullie Sundara also added 11 points on 7 kills and 4 aces.
Opposite hitter Angelica Rodriguez and outside hitter Nicole Mata scored 8 and 7 points respectively for Costa Rica.
Emoni Bush, Captain of Canada: “The difference between the third set with the first two is that we had high expectations going into the match and we were pressuring ourselves, we were tentative; in the third we played our game and had much more fun”.
Nicole Mata, Captain of Costa Rica: “We got anxious because we were close in the first two sets, but we should respect Canada who reacted and were more offensive in the third”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Coach of Canada: “We really took off in the third set, a big piece of it was from the service line, putting in aggressive serves and making Costa Rica uncomfortable. We are now in the classification section, not where we wanted to be, but we will be playing two more matches”.
Henry Rodriguez, head Coach of Costa Rica: “We did well, and I am glad. After being under 2-0, they lost concentration in the third. The player maturity is of influence, there are four born in 2006 and this tournament is a great deal for the two Central American championships that are close. Our libero was resented, and I preferred to give her a break after a small injury in the first set”.
LA PAZ, Baja California, June 8, 2022.- Mexico won pool B and advanced into semifinals after sweeping Chile 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-20) at the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup in La Paz Arena of Baja California Sur.
Host Mexico finished the preliminary round with a 2-0 record and 10 points to move directly into the semifinals. Chile (0-1) will face Honduras (0-1) to decide pool B second place and who will be in the quarterfinals.
The event qualifies the top two NORCECA teams to the 2023 FIVB World Championship.
Mexico’s presence over the net overwhelmed their opponent with a huge 45-24 margin in attacks, they also held a comfortable 6-1 advantage in serves. Both teams scored 6 points on blocks and committed 18 unforced errors.
Aime Topete MEX attacks
Three Mexican players scored double-figures led by outside hitter and team captain Aime Topete with 16 points on 13 kills and 3 aces; opposite hitter Katherine Ramirez contributed with 14 points on 11 kills, one block and two aces, and outside hitter Alexandra Goris registered 13 points on 12 kills and one ace. Chile had opposite hitter Petra Schwarzaman as leading scorer with 9 points.
Aime Topete, Captain of Mexico: “Our team effort and our training reflects on our performance, the month of concentration had this objective of finishing first in our group, and we reached it”.
Luis Alberto León, Head Coach of Mexico: “I saw my team much better than yesterday, obviously Chile was more challenging than Honduras; we are getting into rhythm. What might cause a decrease in our level of play is two rest days before semifinals and we will face a team with much more rhythm”.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach of Chile: “Mexico is more experienced than our team. My team needs more matches like this one after two years and a half without competing. I like my team very much, they all train hard, they are responsible, and they try to learn every day, but the situation overcame them. Tomorrow, we hope to win against Honduras to move forward in the tournament, finishing second in our group gives us one more match, exactly what we need to play more, therefore we came”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 8, 2022.- United States defeated Canada 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-22) at the Women’s U21 Pan Am Cup and will face Argentina for the top spot of pool C at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
The U.S. and Argentina remain unbeaten and will battle to win pool C, the two top ranked pool winners will advance into semifinals while the third pool winner will play quarter finals alongside second places in each pool.
Canada (0-2) will face Costa Rica (0-2) in their last pool-play match.
The United States dominated Canada scoring on 29 opponent errors while limiting their own to 10 and prevailing in serves by a slim 6-5 margin; Canada led 34-31 in attacks and both teams scored 9 points on blocks.
United States blocks Canada
Opposite player Merritt Beason topped the U.S. with 11 points on 7 kills, two blocks and two aces, outside hitter Norah Sis followed with 10 points on 8 kills and 2 blocks, and outside hitter Chloe Chicoine added 8 points.
Canadian outside hitter Madyson Saris scored a match-high of 15 points on 11 kills, 3 blocks and one ace. Also contributing to Canada’s scoring offense was outside hitter and captain Emoni Bush collecting 12 points all on kills and outside hitter Sullie Sundara chipped in with 10 points on 7 kills, 2 blocks and one ace.
Merritt Beason, Top Scorer of United States: “In all sense we were starting a little bit slow because it was tougher and we were not playing our real game, today was more challenging getting into the groove of things. For tomorrow we are going to focus on our side of the net and try to stay in control and prepare well. Volleyball is such a chemistry sport and our best skill as we all love and support each other”.
Madyson Saris, Top Scorer of Canada: “The team had a good grip, we played hard and I’m proud about the fight we did on the floor, especially against a team like the USA. We battle hard in long rallies and tomorrow we will give it our all”.
Daniel Fisher, Head Coach of United States: “We started off every set too slow. Canada changed number 4 (Bush) from position to opposite and it was good for them. I want to face Argentina tomorrow, we will study them, they have very strong attackers, and it will be a tough match. I am confident in my team that they will do well”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Coach of Canada: “A big difference today was our serve-pass game, we were able to get our opponent out of system with our serves. Overall, it was more representative of the team that we are”.
LA PAZ, Baja California, June 8, 2022.- Argentina beat Costa Rica 3-0 (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) to claim their second win at the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup being held at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
With 2-0 record and 10 points in pool C, Argentina is guaranteed at least second place resuming pool-play against the United States. Costa Rica has 0-2 record and will face Canada.
Argentina held advantage over Costa Rica with overwhelming margins, 24-15 in attacks, 11-2 in aces and 9-3 in blocks, and committing fewer errors (15-21).
Opposite hitter Constanza Perez led Argentina scoring 11 points on 7 kills and 3 aces, outside hitter Milena Margaria and middle blocker Josefina Ossvald tallied 8 points apiece.
From Costa Rica, opposite hitter Angelica Rodriguez scored 9 points all on kills.
Leon Danna CRC – Giardini Juana ARG battleing the ball
Juana Giardini, Setter of Argentina: “We always battled and gave our all, it was a nice match, we had fun and the result is very important for our objective. The game was smooth, we put pressure with our serves, and we looked to score every possible point in attacks, but never forgetting our defense”.
Marcelo Silva, Head Coach of Argentina: “I was able to play with everyone because we need to be prepared for tomorrow and play our best against the United States that has a higher level than the two opponents we’ve faced here”.
Angélica Rodríguez, Top Scorer of Costa Rica: “We weren’t afraid of Argentina, we were standing well on the court, we gave a good performance. Today our attitude improved, and we closed our blocking, following our coaches’ instructions”.
Henry Rodríguez, Head Coach of Costa Rica: “Today our performance was good for a young team, this is the base of our U18 team, comparing to yesterday’s performance against a tough opponent, with good tactics and who I consider to be one of the finalists of the tournament (United States). The team was settled on the court, they received more and we scored good points over Argentina that has better height”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 8, 2022.- Cuba started the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup defeating Puerto Rico 3-1 (23-25, 25-16, 29-27, 25-22) on day two of competition at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Cuba came from losing the first set in their first outing in pool A pulling off their first victory of the event that qualifies two NORCECA teams to the 2023 FIVB World Championship. In the second set, Puerto Rico kept the pressure as Cuba failed three-set points (24-20) and then another three before the close 29-27 finish for Cuba.
Puerto Rico concludes pool-play with 1-1 record and 4 points and waits for their final position to learn if they advance into the next round.
The final stats of the match show the close win for Cuba who led 48-46 in attacks, 14-11 in blocks and 12-11 in serves. Cuba committed 21 unforced errors and Puerto Rico with 25.
Cuba celebrates beating Puerto Rico
Cuban middle blocker Lisania Grafort scored a match-high of 24 points, including the most aces with 7 points, 13 kills and 4 blocks. Her teammates outside hitter Claudia Tarin and opposite hitter Yalain De La Peña contributed with 15 and 14 points respectively.
Three outside hitters led Puerto Rico’s offense, Grace Lopez with 18 points, Valeria Flores with 13 points and Elena García with 12 points.
Pool A resumes on Thursday with Cuba (1-0) facing Dominican Republic (0-1).
Lisania Grafort, Top Scorer of Cuba: “Our combativity helped us prevail over Puerto Rico, everyone did their part, they fulfilled their role on and off the court. Personally, I trust my team and myself to get good results”.
Rogelio Andrés Goytizolo, Head Coach of Cuba: “We faced a settled team on the court that didn’t hand out balls. My team is hungry despite their lack of experience, we are out of the ice of not competing internationally. Our middle, Grafort, was effective in serving and punished Puerto Rico over the net”.
Valeria Flores, Captain of Puerto Rico: “We’ve had two tough matches, today we weren’t as organized as yesterday in blocking; not all matches are the same and we are moving forward”.
José Rivera, Head Coach of Puerto Rico: “Cuba’s presence and strength was crucial, they served well, and we are suffering the consequences from yesterday’s five sets, some players are physically hurt. We battled up to the end and Cuba won by their own merit”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 7, 2022.- Mexico claimed their first victory in pool B in the opening day of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup over Honduras 3-0 (25-7, 25-18, 25-6) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Hosts Mexico had a solid performance in the first and third set in their first outing at the qualifier event to the FIVB World Championship subduing Honduras with a huge 45-16 advantage in attacks and 14-3 in serves. Mexico also led by a slim 3-2 margin in blocks and committed fewer errors (10-13) than Honduras.
Outside hitter and team captain Aime Topete scored 18 points in Mexico’s victory, on 13 kills, one block and 4 aces, while outside hitter Katherine Ramirez contributed with 10 points all on kills and Grecia Ung followed with 9 points all on kills.
Opposite hitter Dazly Duran and outside hitter Andrea Aceituno scored 5 points apiece for Honduras.
Mexico during pre match protocol
On the second day of competition in pool B, Mexico (1-0) plays against Chile and Honduras (0-1) has a rest day.
Luis Alberto Leon, Head Coach of Mexico: “I am satisfied with the scores of the first and third sets, as well as the result. We committed too many errors in the second set due to lack of concentration and they made us a lot of points that I hope won’t affect the groups’ result”.
Marvin Mora, Head Coach of Honduras: “We had a good second set because the players took risks and believed in themselves. I always tell my team that we have the right to fail, but not the right to not try. We had a bad last set. Due to our last-minute changes in our line-up, I think it wasn’t that bad, we had some highlights. We will adjust and this is an excellent preparation for the Central American Championship next month”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 7, 2022.- The United States overpowered Costa Rica 3-0 (25-8, 25-4, 25-8) in their debut at the sixth edition of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at the Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
The U.S. team grabbed their first win in pool C of the event that grants two tickets to the 2023 FIVB World Championship using all their players in a match short of one minute of an hour.
The Americans’ serves were too much for Costa Rica, ending with an impressive 14-0 margin in aces; they also were superior in attacks (39-10) and blocks (7-0), and scored 75 points on opponent errors against 20.
Outside hitter Chole Chicoine led the United States with 13 points on 10 kills and 3 aces; opposite hitter Merritt Beason and outside hitter Raven Covin contributed with 8 and 6 points respectively.
Opposite hitter Angelica Rodriguez scored 5 points for Costa Rica as their leading scorer.
United States attacks against Costa Rica
On day two of the event, the United States (1-0) will face Canada (0-1) and Costa Rica (0-1) meets Argentina (1-0).
Daniel Fisher, Head Coach of United States: “We kept our service pressure strong the whole match. It was a good opportunity for us to play a lot of players, we are a new team together, the hitter and setters are still learning from each other, we’ve only trained for a week, so it was a nice beginning for us”.
Nicole Mata, Captain of Costa Rica: “This our first tournament together, our first match and it was against a strong opponent. Many of the players shook off their nerves and anxiousness of the first match. We are not done yet; we have two more pool matches and we are turning the page”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 7, 2022.- Argentina had a strong beginning at the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup defeating Canada 3-0 (25-17, 25-8, 25-22) at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur.
Argentina started off their pool C campaign with no difficulties and showed a solid performance overpowering Canada.
Argentina led 36-22 in attacks, 7-2 in blocks and finished with an overwhelming 12-4 margin in serves. Canada committed one less error than Argentina (19-20).
Opposite hitter Valentina Vaulet led Argentina with 16 points on 12 kills and 4 aces, followed by outside hitter Milena Margaria with 13 points on 8 kills, one block and 4 aces.
On Canada’s side, middle blocker Jenna Pollock scored 7 points.
Vaulet Valentina spikes ARG
On Wednesday in pool C, Canada faces the United States and Argentina goes up against Costa Rica.
Victoria Caballero, Capitana de Argentina: “We were focused on what was needed, serving well, receiving well, and defending well. We are a short team, we focused on defending and receiving which is our strength.”
Marcelo Silva, Head Coach of Argentina: “We played in the world championship last year, but we are coming out of the Pandemic where our training had to be creative. I am glad for my teams’ superior performance, they were concentrated during the three sets, they controlled the ball and knew where to direct their serves. They were more concentrated than Canada in every action of the game who could not take advantage of their height in attack”.
Emoni Bush, Captain of Canada: “We had a little bit of nerves starting out, but we brought it together in the first set; we finished the game a lot stronger than we started. We need to limit our errors; we are a strong team with strong hitters”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Caoch of Canada: “We started off nervous causing us to play a little tentative and it took us a while to get out of it to play a little more aggressive style which is how we play. Argentina did a great job and a lot was on our side”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 7, 2022 – A new record for the highest scoring match was the result of the traditional duel between Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic to start the U21 Women’s Junior Pan American Cup at Arena La Paz on Tuesday.
The five-set battle won by Puerto Rico 3-2 (25-23, 27-29, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14) totaled 231 points erasing the previous mark of 216 set on May 14, 2019 when Puerto Rico defeated Chile 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 27-25, 17-25, 15-13).
Roosevelt Comarazamy, NORCECA Press Officer, made the announcement from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the site of the organization’s headquarters.
LA PAZ, Baja California, June 7, 2022.- Puerto Rico edged Dominican Republic in five thrilling sets 3-2 (25-23, 27-29, 25-22, 24-26, 16-14) at the inaugural match of the Women’s U21 Pan American Cup at Arena La Paz in Baja California Sur.
Puerto Rico won their first match in pool A of the qualifying event to the 2023 FIVB World Championship against a tough Dominican squad that led by a slim margin in every skill, with 55-54 in attacks, 17-16 in blocks and 7-5 in serves, while benefiting from 42 opponent errors and allowing 35.
Outside hitter Grace Mar López scored a match-high of 27 points leading Puerto Rico’s scorers; on 23 kills, 3 blocks and one ace. Opposite hitter Paola Martell followed with 11 points on 9 kills, one blocks, and one ace, and middle blocker Marcelle Baez also added 11 points on 5 kills, 5 blocks and one ace.
Middle blocker Florangel Terrero led Dominican Republic scoring 21 points on 18 kills, 2 blocks and one ace; setter Ariana Rodriguez contributed with 17 points on 11 kills and 6 blocks, and setter Sophia Reynolds chipped in with 10 points all on kills.
Puerto Rico celebrates victory over Dominican Republic
On the second day of competition in pool A, Dominican Republic has the day off and Puerto Rico plays against Cuba.
José Rivera, Head Coach Puerto Rico: “The game was intense, against a strong opponent. I am happy for my players for starting a tournament winning, which is positive. Our serving was effective, and our blocks executed well, allowing us to get the Dominican Republic off their offensive system of play”.
Cristian Cruz, Head Coach Dominican Republic: “We had too many ups and downs, we couldn’t develop our offense with our outside hitters, and we had to base our performance on our middles, compromising our passing. Our physical condition was bellow from what we are used to. Tomorrow we rest and we will try to improve during practice to face Cuba on Thursday”.
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 6, 2022.- Cuban Miguel David Gutiérrez of the champion team was elected the Most Valuable Player and the most outstanding opposite of the Norceca Challenger Final Four, which awarded a place to the winner for the 2023 world tournament Nations League qualifier.
The best spikers were, in this order, Marlon Yant (Cuba) and Wilfrido Hernández (Dominican Republic) and Antonio Elías Rodríguez (Puerto Rico) and Roamy Alonso (Cuba) as blockers.
Annel Cabrera (Puerto Rico) took the awards in three positions by distinguishing himself in defense, reception and libero, while his teammate Arturo Iglesias in his role as setter.
Henry Antonio López (Dominican Republic) was the other with more than one award as he finished top scorer and starred in the best service performance.
Cuba finished undefeated by winning all three of its matches and without losing a set; Dominican Republic became runner-up (2 wins and one loss); in third Mexico (1-2) and in fourth Puerto Rico, which could not score any victory.
Cuban Miguel David Gutiérrez MVP
The Cuban team secured a place for the 2023 qualifying world tournament for the League of Nations, but if they win the one scheduled for next month in South Korea, they are automatically inserted into that important annual event and the Dominican team would take their place.
During the last day in Hall November 19, the triple Olympic champion of Barcelona 92, Atlanta 96 and Sydney 2000, Marlenis Costa, and her partner Isel Saavedra, member of the Morenas del Caribe team since the second mid 1980s to mid 1990s.
Authorities from the government, sports and political and mass organizations recognized the outstanding contribution of these two players.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 6, 2022.- The sixth edition of the U21 Women’s Pan American Cup that kicks off on Tuesday in La Paz will grant two tickets for the 2023 age-group FIVB World Championship.
With ten competing teams, the two vacancies available at the qualifying tournament for the FIVB World Championship will automatically qualify two teams from the NORCECA Confederation and not of the South American Volleyball Confederations as only Argentina and Chile are taking part of the competition.
Marcelo Silva, Head Coach Argentina: “We’ve been preparing since April, our main goal here is to prepare for the South American qualifier to the World Championship in August. We are glad to be here, it’s a great opportunity to measure ourselves against interesting opponents; and I’ll evaluate my team”.
Carolyn O’Dwyer, Head Coach Canada: “We had a larger group training in Canada for ten days leading up, so we had a little bit of a longer period than we had in the past which was nice. I think with the change of the age-group we were able to bring some older athletes, giving us some more experience and our expectations are definitely high of what we can do this week, we hope to make Canada proud”.
Eduardo Guillaume, Head Coach Chile: “Getting back to compete is positive, in three years with this team we’ve only played five matches; we are really excited of being here, to have played several friendly matches against Mexico and on the eve of the competition. I’ve been working with this group of players for a long time, we have high expectations from them. They were born in 2004-2005. It will be a tough tournament because of the level of play, we want to qualify among the final four”.
Henry Rodríguez, Head Coach Costa Rica: “It’ll be interesting facing highly competitive teams. Our team is a U18 renovated squad, Central American champions, eight from that team and some others are U16. Our expectations are to improve, have good results and reach our U21 Central American Championship in July in good conditions to win the title”.
Rogelio Andrés Goytizolo, Head Coach Cuba: “As all the teams here, we are aiming for a good competition; our goal is to play the title match. We don’t know anything about our rivals, but our team has young athletes who desire a good outcome”.
Cristian Cruz, Head Coach Dominican Republic: “We had a good base camp, almost eight months working with this new group. This team participated at the U18 World Championship by ranking due to the Pandemic. We share a group with Puerto Rico and Cuba; we know that four players from Puerto Rico competed in Worlds and about Cuba we have no information. We are confident to be playing for medals”.
Marvin Ulloa, Head Coach Honduras: “We just had access to our gymnasium in March. Half of the team was U19 and U20 Central American Champions and competed in last year’s senior Central American Championship. We are suffering the absence of two key players: Nathaly Pérez who is studying in the United States and our team captain Gabriela Gomez who has health issues. We made some internal adjustments, and we hope they understand each other well”.
Luis Alberto León, Head Coach Mexico: “The team is glad, motivated and anxious to begin to compete here in Mexico. This is a strong competition, eight teams from NORCECA fighting for two berths for the World Championship and our objective is one of those tickets”.
José Rivera, Head Coach Puerto Rico: “We renovated our squad for this event, this is the first international experience for 80% of the group and they have a better height, something we identified in the past world championship. The team is healthy and with good energy, excited to compete”.
Daniel Fisher, Head Coach United States: “We had a wonderful preparation, we were able to be with our senior team in Louisiana for the VNL, it was a nice opportunity to train in the morning and watch the matches at night and learn from them. We started seven days of training with 20 players and now we’re here with 12, we feel we have a strong team and excited to be here, we hope for the best”.
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 5, 2022 – The Cuban team, champion since the second day, said goodbye with a victory over Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-18, 25-16, 25-21) to conclude their undefeated performance in the Challenger Final Four at Sala 19 de Noviembre, which on the final day was cheerfully cheered on by the local fans.
As in the previous two challenges, the host technical director, Nicolás Vives, made changes according to the trend in this tournament, since his pupils have just grouped up after their participation in foreign leagues and he needs to see them all play.
Even so, it was a very uncomfortable opponent for the young Puerto Rican team, which in all aspects was inferior in attack (44-25), blocking (7-6) and serving (10-1). Puerto Rico finished fourth with three losses.
Corner player Marlon Yant led the offense with 12 points, escorted by spiker Osniel Mergarejo and center back Roamy Alonso. For the rivals, the opposite Gregory Torres was the one who achieved the most points with 8.
Cuba (Gold Medal), Dominican Republic (Silver Medal), Mexico (Bronze Medal)
Nicolás Vives, coach of Cuba: “The match was good, the boys came out with desire, the important thing was the victory and we achieved it, that was the objective. Now we have a month of preparation in Havana, vital and key to organizing physical and technical-tactical situations until we reach the Final Six in Mexico in July, then the World Challenger at the end and the Pan American Cup in early August, already on the way to the World Championship”.
“In general, everyone in the boys plays well, it is a generation that has been new for five years and we are working with it, which is the most important thing to achieve great things. The dream has always been to be in the Olympic Games, we have the world championship ahead of us, we can achieve good results, although we have to work hard because it is an extremely strong tournament, but the team is fine and we are going to meet our goal.
Marlon Yant, top scorer of the challenge: “It was a game with ups and downs, we made some mistakes that we can iron out over time. We had an opponent who knows how to play volleyball, but I think that when we start training next week we are going to win in preparation for the competitions that are coming our way”.
“This year the team has big commitments like the South Korea Challenger in July and our goal is to fight to qualify for the League of Nations, and in August the World Championship, in which we hope to have a good performance. On an individual level, I’m meeting my teammates in passing, receiving and communicating with them, which is very important”.
Setter Arturo Iglesias, captain of the Puerto Rico team: “I think we could never find a rhythm in the match, the reception was not good, they won the match with the serve and forcing us the tough play, that is, outside the net , high, uncomfortable, but we never managed to make that adjustment.”
“I think that with a team against Cuba the matches must be long if we want to beat them, we have to beat them on the ground, in reception, in serving and in passing, and we could never do that. Avoid as many mistakes. We have to work hard, mature more as a team, we have a lot of young talent, but we have to train a lot more if we want to have results”.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 5, 2022 – The U-21 women’s national volleyball team of Dominican Republic that will participate in the Pan American Cup to be held in the city of La Paz in Baja California Sur from June 7 with representatives from 10 countries left for Mexico.
The members of the Dominican team met at Las Américas Airport in Santo Domingo with the Dominican Republic´s Ambassador to Mexico, Her Excellency María Isabel Castillo who took the opportunity to pose for photos with the girls and made the trip to Mexico in the same flight.
The Dominicans travelled accompanied by Mr. Ramón A. García, president of the Dominican Volleyball Federation (FEDOVOLI).
The Dominicans will play in Group A alongside defending champions Cuba and Puerto Rico.
In the previous five editions of the biannual event, a different champion has emerged. The winning teams have been those from Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the United States and Cuba.
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 4, 2022 – The Dominican Republic got its first victory in the Norceca Challenger Final Four by beating Puerto Rico in a hard-fought tie-break with scores of 25-23, 16-25, 25-22, 23-25 and 16-14 to start the second day of this world qualifier at Hall 19 de Noviembre.
The match had many ups-and-downs, but the Dominicans pressed in blocking at key moments and tightened to close the sets, mainly in the fifth against a rival who never gave up, although it was dominated in the final stages of the partials in which they succumbed.
Corner player Henry Antonio López was the top scorer of the duel with 29 points, escorted by Henry Tapia (20) and Wilfrido Hernández (17).
For the Puerto Ricans, who added two setbacks, the most productive was striker Pedro Molina with 24 units, followed by opposite Gregory Torres (22), cornerback Pelegrín Vargas (17) and Antonio Elias Rodríguez (10).
Henry Tapia (1DOM)and Dominican teammate celebrating
Jesús Alexander Gutiérrez, Venezuelan coach of the Dominican Republic: “For us this is growth and learning, because those ups and downs are precisely due to that lack of experience. The most difficult thing at this level is to maintain and the work is for that, and this comes in addition, the positive result of winning the game, which is great for their mentality to continue to grow and this is part of our work and continue to grow for project ourselves”.
Henry Antonio López, top scorer of the match: “Team unity was the key to victory, we started to fight, served, blocked in decisive moments, that’s how we closed the game. In the attacks in complex one we were literally perfect, although once in a while they also worked well because of their offense on serve, but on that basis we were better. It was a super match, we knew how to keep up mentally”.
Gerardo de Jesús Sánchez, Coach of Puerto Rico: “Good game, we had it again, but we have to learn not to fail when the game is being defined, we had it there for two days and we didn’t execute when the truth was told and that cost the game. We have come with a young team, we have to keep working, because with these rivals you win and lose, but here they played better than us after the 20th point”.
Pelegrín Vargas, among the most outstanding: “We had a long night yesterday and although it is not an excuse, it would still be a complicated game winning or losing, we played on a streak and that consumes a lot of energy trying to come from behind and overcome two or three points, one gets more tired and there is a lot of physical and mental stress. We have to improve, with the group we have we can continue to improve, learning from these well-closed results, in which we could win, it hurts us, but we have to continue”.
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 3, 2022.- Cuba made its home debut after more than two years without playing as a team with a victory over the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-23) in the opening match of the Challenger Final Four of Norceca playing in the hall 19 de Noviembre.
Despite the heavy rains that hit precisely this western part of the Island that forced the opening times to be postponed, both teams offered a lively game despite the obvious superiority of the hosts over a very young and inexperienced rival team.
Virtually all of their players played for Cuba, including a setter in each set. The top scorer of the challenge was the corner hitter Osniel Mergarejo with 11 points, and he was escorted by the opposite player Miguel David Gutiérrez and spiker Miguel Ángel López, both with 10 points.
Dominican auxiliary hitters Henry Antonio López and Wilfrido Hernández scored 10 and 8 points, respectively.
Livian Osoria (9CUB) and Osniel Mergarejo (2CUB) block
Nicolás Vives, coach of Cuba: “We are getting into the game, doing team work. That is why the possibility of everyone going out to play is important for the group and to continue working to achieve victories. I liked everything my team did, what sometimes annoys me when we relax a bit and stop pressing, it’s normal sometimes, but in general I saw the team very well”.
Miguel David Gutiérrez, second best scorer: “Despite the fact that we haven’t played together for a long time, the first result was quite good. We were able to connect as much as we could, each one brings their personal experience in the leagues, it is what we are looking for, although we still have a long way to go and we have other important competitions”.
José A. Gutiérrez, coach of the Dominican Republic: “Cuba is a very good team, but it has weaknesses, and if you attack them you will have more options, but right now it is more important to organize ourselves and be more consistent in our approaches, beyond do the opposite and that is what we are looking for, that growth in achieving what we want to do. Precisely this type of game allows us to grow, the most difficult thing is to maintain and endure what comes when you face a team like Cuba, that’s part of learning “.
Wilfrido Hernández, outstanding corner player for the Dominican Republic: “We are quite excited, we are almost entirely a young team and what we are looking for is development, that we improve every day and at the same time gain more experience. In the third set we improved our reception, we listened to what our coach told us and we tried to comply with it. Individually, I felt good, but I think I can offer more with a higher level of play.”
PINAR DEL RÍO, Cuba, June 3, 2022 – The Mexican team sensationally beat Puerto Rico in a hard-fought tie-break to seal the game 3-2 (26-24, 21-25, 26-24, 15-25 and 17-15) at the closing of the inaugural program of the Norceca Challenger Final Four, which takes place in the 19 de Noviembre Hall in the westernmost province of the Island.
For the winners, the top scorers were the opposite Diego González with 24, and the corner player Josué López and the center back Axel Téllez, both with 14 each.
Five Puerto Ricans achieved double digits, opposite Gregory Torres (21), striker Pelegrín Vargas (20), center Antonio Elías (12) and cornerback Omar Hoyos (10).
Mexican players celebrating
Jorge Miguel Azair, Coach of Mexico: “I feel the difference in the fifth set more than anything, since we improved our reception and tightened the service as we had been doing before, but they had already tightened the serve in the second, third and fourth set. And the fundamental thing is that nothing happened with the boys because of the situation on the court due to the rain”.
Christian Aranda, captain of Mexico: “It was a very intense match for both teams during the five sets and until the end of the last point, I think it helped us a lot to start the tournament and start to loosen up. The two teams developed very well and we bring in new players and that requires adapting to this new integration”.
Gerardo de Jesús Sánchez, Coach of Puerto Rico: “I had two match points in the fifth set and we couldn’t close the match, we didn’t get a couple of balls in defense and we missed two or three balls in attack in important moments. It was a great game within the conditions of the field, although that is the same for both teams. However, there were many positive things, this is a young group surrounded by some with experience.”
Arturo Iglesias, captain of the Puerto Ricans: “We made mistakes at key moments on serve and defense, but I’m very proud of my teammates because they played with their hearts and gave everything. It was a difficult day for both teams and difficult conditions to play. Now to rest and prepare for the next game against the Dominican Republic, which is very important”.
LA PAZ, Baja California Sur, June 3, 2022 – Teams from 10 countries will be competing in the U-21 Women’s Pan American Cup whose game schedule runs from June 7 to 12.
In Pool A will lay the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Puerto Rico while Pool B also with three teams includes Mexico, Chile and Honduras. The four teams in Pool C are: Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica and the United States.
The top two Pool winners will advance to the Semifinals while the Pool winner with the third record will join the three Second Place finishers in the Quarterfinals.
This is the sixth edition of the event that until this year brought together players of the Under-20 age. Cuba won the previous edition held in Lima, Peru.
Peru, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the United States were the winners of the first four editions that began in 2011.
The competition schedule for the preliminary round is as follows:
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 1, 2022 – The Dominican Republic Men’s National Volleyball Team left ON Tuesday for Cuba where it will participate in the International League, a qualifier for the annual FIVB Challenger to the League of Nations.
The event in Cuba will be held on June 3, 4 and 5 in the province of Pinar del Rio and the host team Cuba, Mexico and Puerto Rico will also participate.
“We will do our best to have a good performance by representing our country in a dignified way,” said captain Henry Tapia, a star outside hitter with notable international experience.
The team is made up of the players Henry Tapia (captain), Luis David Reinoso, Wilfredo Hernández, Erik Florián, Dawilín Méndez, Henry López, Bryan Pepén, Mario Torres, Rafael Almonte, Mason William Matos, Luke Harrison Ramírez, Luther Rosario, Moisés Alexander Ortiz and Alexis Cruz.
“This group has 18 weeks of work. We have a very clear goal and that is to continue improving in the world ranking. We are currently in 32nd place and by the end of the year we hope to be in 27th place”, declared coach Alexander Gutiérrez during the press conference held in the main hall of the Regional Center for the Development of Volleyball.
Gutiérrez, who will be assisted by coach Dante Mañón, highlighted the fact that the Creating Olympic Dreams Program (Creso) has also welcomed the top team, which will allow them to participate on equal terms with teams that at the time were very far from above in terms of training facilities and opportunities to compete internationally.
HAVANA, Cuba, May 31, 2022 – With the presence of Ariel Saínz, vice president of Inder and president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation (FCV), Nicolás Vives, head coach of the national volleyball team, and players, the official presentation was held this morning at the Ciudad Deportiva of the season of the Cuban team of that sport.
“We will have five major events that will constitute a gauge for the World Championship, and other qualifiers for the Central American and Pan American Games,” Sainz said.
“After two years without events scheduled by the FCV, we are back with our competitive system. Tomorrow the Norceca Challenger tournament will begin in the province of Pinar del Río, which will serve as a measure and will contribute significantly to the technical development of volleyball players”.
Saínz informed the press that the national team has a player base that began its international competitive activity in 2017, when it participated in the world championship in the under-21 category. “They were transiting through the contracting policy approved in our country and today they are positioned in world-class leagues.
Along with this, he mentioned the incorporation of players who represent “a pride that militates in the national team, such as the cases of Robertlandy Simón and Maykel Sánchez.”
He also referred to young people who have come from the lower categories and are the base of the group, such as José Miguel Gutiérrez and Julio César Cárdenas. “They would also be within that great group of players that FCV has to fulfill the route of international events.”
In this regard, he announced that from next season there will be news about the signing system.
For his part, Vives, who has just arrived from directing at the Hatta club in the United Arab Emirates, assured that the squad is in shape: “We have been training for about three weeks. The boys are motivated, working mainly on physical aspects and cohesion.
“We have taken advantage of the preparation and the 14 volleyball players that were designated are now ready for the competition in Pinar del Río. This Challenger will allow us to make some changes, move players and everyone participates.
Vives specified that Simón will not be in that tournament, since he was given a break at the end of his season in the Italian league recently. In any case, he assured that they will seek to reach the first place, already thinking about the world championship, which “will be extremely strong. Trust in Cuban volleyball that the athletes will give everything for the country”.
Regarding the prospects of the selection for the upcoming international commitments, Simón told the press that they are good and that he will classify in the different contests. “We will be focused on doing our job and we expect a good result this year.
“As we are Cuban players, we have the potential and characteristic to get where we want, but to do great things we have to work as a group. We have to focus on what we have done internationally and try to bring it together here. I think we can become a great team, the best of all time”, he concluded.
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 28, 2022. – Sean Kelley of the United States was named the MVP of the fourth edition of the Boys U19 Pan American Cup during the events’ awarding ceremony after the U.S. swept Mexico in the Championship match.
Sean Kelley, the U.S. team captain and MVP, also was awarded as the first Best Spiker, alongside his teammates Tread Rosenthal named Best Setter, Finn Kearney the Best Opposite and Best Server, and Kallen Larson who received the recognitions of Best Libero, Best Receiver and Best Digger.
Sean Kelly USA Most Valuable Player U19 Pan Am Cup
From Puerto Rico, the bronze medalists of the Pan Am Cup, Victor Torres was awarded as second Best Spiker.
David Nassar Cordoba of Costa Rica received the first Best Blocker award and Goran Rafaeli of Chile the second Best Blocker.
The Best Scorer award was handed out to Franklyn De Jesus Reyes of Dominican Republic.
Final Ranking: 1. United States; 2. Mexico; 3. Puerto Rico; 4. Chile; 5. Costa Rica; 6. Guatemala; 7. Dominican Republic; 8. Honduras.
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 28, 2022.- The United States won the championship match of the fourth edition of the Boys U19 Pan Am Cup beating Mexico 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-18) on Saturday in Guatemala City.
This is the U.S. first gold medal in the history of the event; they won a bronze medal over Mexico in the first edition of 2011. For Mexico this is their second consecutive silver medal, in the past edition of 2019 they fell to Cuba and they also have a gold medal winning the championship to Chile in 2017.
The United States finished the Pan Am Cup with 5-0 win-loss record and Mexico with 4-2.
In the first set, the United States had to work hard to catch up from a four point deficit almost the entire set up to 18 all and going forward for the gold medal sweep.
The American team held a huge 39-18 advantage in kills, a 9-7 margin in blocks and a comfortable 5-2 margin in serves. Mexico committed fewer errors than the United States (22-31).
USA celebrates defeating Mexico for the U19 Pan American title
Outside hitter and captain Sean Kelly led the United States with 15 points on 14 kills and one block, joined by outside hitter Sterling Foley with 14 points on 8 kills, a match-high of 5 blocks and one ace, and opposite hitter Finn Kearney with 13 points on 9 kills, one block and a match-high of 3 aces.
Mexico’s leading scorer was outside hitter Ines Antonio Vargas with 8 points.
Charles Sullivan, Head Coach United States: “I am so proud our boys came so far, they were unselfish, they gave to the team first and for young men to do that I think they grew exponentially. Thank you to Norceca, Guatemalan Volleyball Federation, we felt so warm here”.
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, May 28, 2022.- Puerto Rico won the bronze medal of the fourth edition of the U19 Pan American Cup over Chile 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-19) on Saturday at Guatemala’s City Dome.
This Puerto Rico’s second bronze medal, their first was in 2017 beating Colombia; they also have a silver medal from the first edition of the event in 2011 falling to Brazil in the championship match.
Puerto Rico, who qualified to the FIVB World Championship early winning their pool in the preliminary round, concludes with a 4-1 record and finishes third and Chile finishes fourth with 2-4.
Puerto Rico dominated Chile from start to finish by an overwhelming 42-27 attacking advantage, a 9-4 blocking margin and superiority in serves by a 5-2 margin. Chile committed fewer unforced errors than Puerto Rico (19-22).
Puerto Rico celebrates scoring to Chile for the Bronze Medal
Three outside hitters from Puerto Rico scored double-figures, led by Sebastian Sanchez (17), Victor Torres (14) and Diego Lopez (12). Outside hitter Ian Gei was Chile’s top scorer with 12 points.
Francisco Negron, Head Coach Puerto Rico: “This was their best performance, I am really glad with their performance and we’re going off with a medal.
Ramón Rosado, Captain Puerto Rico: “The team had unity, after battling strong yesterday, coming under 0-2 and not winning in the fifth set, we were really hungry today, we weren’t going back home without a medal”.
English 
Spanish