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Metcalf was elected MVP in Puerto Rico
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 20, 2005.- American Nancy Metcalf enjoyed
another huge performance with USA National Team and was elected as
the Most Valuable Player of the Norceca-D Qualification Tournament
for the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championships. The lefthander
Metcalf also won the award as the top scorer of the competition with
89 points in six matches. The other players awarded during the
closing ceremony were: Melissa Raymond (CAN), Best Attacker;
Elisabeth Bachman (USA), Best Blocker; Aury Cruz (PUR), Best
Server; Lindsey Berg (USA), Best Setter; Annie Levesque (CAN), Best
Libero and Defender and Yarleen Santiago (PUR), Best Receiver...Spanish
Cuban Raidel Poey was MVP in Havana
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 21, 2005.-
Raidel Poey of Cuba was the top scorer and Most Valuable Player at
the Norceca-E Qualification Tournament of the Men’s 2006 FIVB World
Championships. Cuba won the tournament with a perfect record of 4-0
and Canada placed in second with a 3-1 mark. Panama took the bronze
medal with 2-2 and Trinidad & Tobago and Costa Rica ended with 1-3
and 0-4 respectively. The other members of the All-Star team were:
Steve Brinkman (CAN) Best Attacker; Odelvis Dominico (CUB), Best
Blocker; Dallas Soonias (CAN), Best Server; Yasser Portuondo (CUB),
Best Receiver; Sirianis Méndez (CUB), Best Defender; Yoandri Díaz
(CUB), Best Setter and Lucas Snider (CAN), Best Libero.
Spanish
Cuba defeated Canada and won Norceca’s Men
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 21, 2005.- The Cuban Team obtained the first place at
the Norceca-E Qualification Tournament for the FIVB Men’s World
Championships after defeating Canada in three sets (25-23, 29-27,
25-19) finishing with a perfect record in four outings.
The host team had shaky starts in the first stages of
each set, but once they reached the 20 point barrier could impose
its experience and mainly the powerful and effective serves, but not
before feeling the pressure from the visitors.
This was the second triumph for Cuba over Canada in a
one-month lapse as they also won during their meeting at Copa
America in Brazil and also in three sets. For the North Americans it
was their eighth match of the year.
Raidel Poey and Henry Bell were the best Cuban
scorers with 14 and 11 respectively, while Fred Winters and Dallas
Soonias had 13 and 11 for Canada.
More...Spanish
Trinidad & Tobago beat Costa Rica and finished fourth
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 21, 2005.- Trinidad & Tobago defeated Costa Rica
3-2 and finished in fourth place at the Norceca-E Qualifying
Tournament for the 2006 FIVB Men’s World Championships. It was the
second match that went to the limit during the event, and the
Trinidadians tried very hard to not finish in the last place and got
the win by score of 16-25, 29-27, 25-23, 15-25, 15-12. Nolan Tash
was the sparkplug and top scorer of the match with 27 points, while
Pablo Zumbado led Costa Rica with 15 points. Gideon Dickson, coach
of Trinidad & Tobago: “This match showed the deficiencies of both
teams and signals the route to develop our volleyball and jump to a
higher level.” Nolan
Tash, captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “Our game was not good but
anyway we got the victory. We need more games like this one to
elevate our level.” Alberto Travieso, coach of Costa Rica: “We
suffered the bad taste of being last. My players showed lack of
confidence and courage, and the Trinidadians showed more desire for
the victory.” Alexander Villegas, captain of Costa Rica: “It was a
very close match. Neither of the teams wanted to end in last place.
At the end we made errors that cost us the victory.”..Spanish
Cuba got the other ticket to the World Championships
HAVANA, Cuba, August 20, 2005.- Cuba confirmed its
place in the final round of the 2006 Men’s FIVB World Championships,
with a 3-0 victory over Panama. The Norceca-E Qualification
Tournament finishes on Sunday. Canada secured the other berth for
the next year event.
The host team did not have strong opposition in the
first two sets that ended 25-15, 25-13, with the action of its
regular players, superiors technically and physically.
In the third set, they went with the bench players to
give the chance of playing to the younger members and the score was
25-22.
Yasser Portuondo was the top scorer with 13 points,
followed by Raidel Poey with 11 and Olvedis Dominico with 10.
Ricardo Brown had 7 points for Panama....More
Canada defeated Costa Rica and secured a berth for Japan
HAVANA, Cuba, August 20, 2005.- Canada defeated Costa Rica 3-0
confirming its participation in the 2006 FIVB Men’s World
Championships. Although Costa Rica improved its reception, attack
and serve, the level of the Canadians was far superior and did not
have difficulties in obtaining its third triumph by score of 25-16,
25-15, 25-20. The Canadians utilized the match as rehearsal for its
strategy anticipating the duel of Sunday against Cuba the last day
of competition and definition of the first place of the event.
Murray Grapentine with 13 points was the top scorer and Paul Duerden
added 11 while Edwars Darnley was the most outstanding for Costa
Rica with nine..More..Spanish
Mexico will be in Japan 2006
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 19, 2005.- Mexico surprised the world of
volleyball while defeating Canada in consecutive sets (25-21, 25-15,
25-21) and obtaining the third and last berth available at the
Norceca-D Qualifying Tournament for the Final Round of the 2006 FIVB
Women’s World Championships.
The
Mexicans relied with another big offensive performance from Ana
Mercado and Bibiana Candelas, who scored 19 and 10 points
respectively. Mexico established its system since the beginning and
with effective services created problems to the Canadians, who
seemed affected by the loss to Puerto Rico the day before. This will
be the third participation of Mexico in the World Championships.
They also were present during the last edition in Germany 2002 and
in 1974 when hosted the event. Marco Heredia, coach of Mexico: “I am
thrilled with this result but I was really surprised because we
didn’t expect to dominate Canada as we did today.” Ana Mercado,
player of Mexico: “I am very thrilled because we got what we came
looking for. This tournament in one of big level with all the teams
well prepared. This triumph is a big one for our team.” Bibiana
Candelas, captain of Mexico: “We were very focused for this game and
everything resulted as we expected. I am very thrilled with this
qualification and Mexico will say present in Japan.” Lorne Sawula,
coach of Canada: “Congratulations to Mexico for a great game and
good luck in Japan.”
Spanish
Panama edged Trinidad & Tobago in well fought match
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 19, 2005.- Panama edged Trinidad & Tobago 3-2 in Day
Three of the Norceca-E 2006 FIVB Men’s World Championships, in the
first match that goes to the five-sets limit. The Panamanians
triumphed with score of 25-19, 23-25, 25-16, 28-25, 16-14 in a duel
of ups and downs where they showed character to overcome a
disastrous fourth set and then winning the tie-breaker. Domingo
Avila and Jose Cunningham were the best scorers for the winners,
both scoring 11 points, while once again Nolan Tash was the
inspiring fixture of the Trinidadians with 26 points. Jose A. Remon,
coach of Panama: “I am very happy for this victory because since I
saw Trinidad & Tobago I considered them a strong team with better
level than us, but our team played at its best, and we imposed our
methods.” Eduardo Guerra, captain of Panama: “Our team is getting
together because we are coming from an inactivity season. This
triumph is very important, because in Panama this sport does not
have support and a lot of people questioned our participation and
now we are fighting for the third place.” Gideon Dickson, coach of
Trinidad & Tobago: “I am very disappointed with the performance of
my team, because at this level you have to earn every single point
and we did not play with stability. That is the reason we have to
keep attending this type of events.” Nolan Tash, captain of Trinidad
& Tobago: “I congratulate the Panamanians for this victory. This has
been the most competitive match we have played which is good for us
because we had to play hard to elevate our level.”
Spanish
USA won the tournament with perfect record
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 19, 2005.- USA finished its participation in the
Norceca-D Qualification Tournament of the 2006 FIVB Women’s World
Championships with a 3-0 (25-16, 25-13, 25-18) victory over Puerto
Rico in the match for the gold medal. Both teams had already tickets
for the final round next year to be played in several cities of
Japan. Before another huge crowd at the Hector Sola Bezares
Coliseum, the Puerto Ricans entered the court with great desire but
crashed against an USA squad that did not give any break. USA
controlled the match with consistent services and effective blocks
an another masterful performance by setter Lindsey Berg. Tayyiba
Haneef led the offence of USA with 14 points while Shannon
Torregrosa had 10 points for Puerto Rico. Lang Ping, coach of
USA: “It was a great match. Our players enjoyed it. We are also
very grateful for the treatment received during the event.”
Lindsey Berg, captain of USA: “We established the goal of
reaching the finals and winning. We knew that Puerto Rico would have
the crowd support and we came focused to overcome that.” Aury
Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “Our reception was not stable and
today they served stronger. But we are happy with our overall
performance.”
Spanish
Cuba cruised against Costa Rica
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 19, 2005.- Cuba National Team cruised to its second
victory defeating Costa Rica in straight sets in (25-8, 25-18,
25-14) in Day Three of the 2006 FIVB Men’s World Championships
Qualification Tournament Norceca-E. The Cuban’s superiority was
evident and Cuba tied with Canada (2-0), who had the rest day on
Friday. The 12 Cuban players took part in the match who was
converted into a training session for the host team who is preparing
for the objective of defeating Canada next Sunday and win the
tournament, having virtually pocketed the ticket to the 2006 Worlds.
The scoring was shared by all the players and Odelvis Dominico was
tops with nine points while junior Michael Sanchez and Henry Bell
each had eight. Roberto García, coach of Cuba: “Our strategy, taking
in consideration the opponent with all due respect, was to use the
players that just came from the Junior Worlds and practice some
ideas for the future.” Pavel Pimienta, captain of Cuba: “This was a
game mostly for preparation because we know Canada is the team to
beat and to do it, we are preparing for. We want to go to Sunday
game in great shape.” Alberto Travieso, coach of Costa Rica: “We
know about our technical and tactical shortcomings because we don’t
go to play out of Central America and the conditions we have are
scarce to reach the Cuban level.” Alexander Villegas, captain of
Costa Rica: “It was a good experience and we were conscious of the
Cuban superior level. We did not match with them but enjoyed the
game.”
Spanish
Canada got its second triumph
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 18, 2005.- Canada defeated Trinidad & Tobago 3-0
(25-18, 25-11, 25-13) for its second triumph at the 2006 FIVB Men’s
World Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca-E. The
Canadians were far superior of their rivals, who committed many
service and tactics errors capitalized by the North Americans. For
the winners, who have showed potent services and good blocking,
Dallas Soonias had 13 points and Steve Brinkman added 12. Nolan Tash
led the Trinidadians with 8. Stelio Derocco, coach of Canada: “I
always tell my players about not to underestimate their rivals. I
told them that we had to play hard against the Trinidadians because
I was very impressed with their game against Cuba. To use our
strength and minimize theirs.” Murray Grapentine, captain of Canada:
“In this match our team was more united and played a lot better.”
Steve Brinkman, placer of Canada: “I amb very happy with the result.
About the Trinidadians, we recognize their great effort and the
level reached, but they still need to improve more.” Gideon Dickson,
coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “We have been defeated by a very
professional team with a lot of experience. The volleyball they
exhibited is the type any team would love to have. O the other hand,
our players did not improve after the good match of yesterday
against Cuba.” Nolan Tash, captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “The
Canadian Team played very well and with much superiority. They won
because of what they did, but we did not play with the teamwork and
strength we needed to.”
Spanish
USA crushed Mexico and qualified to the World Championships
 CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, August 18, 2005.- USA only
needed just over one hour to beat Mexico 3-0 (25-12, 25-7, 25-19)
and advance to the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championships. American
coach Lang Ping did no give any chance to Mexico playing the regular
players all the way despite the big leads. Nancy Metcalf was the top
scorer for USA with 16 points while Bibi Candelas led Mexico with
only six points. Lang Ping, coach of USA: “I did not expect the
match to be so comfortable. Now we got the qualifications but there
is one more game to play and we want to win it. Lindsey Berg,
captain of USA: “I am very pleased with the collective job and now
we go back to the World Championships. This will be my first one,
and it is a big thrill.” Marco Heredia, coach of Mexico: “We had our
worst match at the wrong moment. There are no excuses for this kind
of game. Now we have to work to get the qualification in the last
chance we have.”
Spanish
Panama attained its first success
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 18, 2005.- Panama beat Costa Rica in straight sets
(25-21, 25-19, 25-22)in Day Two of the 2006 FIVB Men’s World
Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca-E. The Panamanians
went out with more desire and harmony in their game and obtained
their first victory of the tournament that marks their re-encounter
with the international scene since last December. With an attack and
reception superior of that of their opponents, who were making their
debut, Panama took the path to the victory with help from Domingo
Avila and Jose Cunninghan who both scored 14 points while Edward
Darnley had 9 for Costa Rica. José A. Remon, coach of Panama: “It
was a great match, we both are teams with the same formation and
ours made better job.” Eduardo Guerra, captain of Panama: “It was a
tough match as always with two teams from Central America, but we
improved the reception and the defence and that was the key for our
first victory.” Alberto Travieso, coach of Costa Rica: “It is our
first international match since May. I did not have any reference to
rate how was our team and that was the cause of our ups and downs in
our rhythm due to the lack of confidence of our players and the
international experience.” Alexander Villegas, captain of Costa
Rica: “It was a duel of our area, we failed too much in the
reception. We could not set well and could not improve our game or
found it.”
Spanish
Puerto Rico won the ticket to Japan
 CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, August 18, 2005.- Puerto Rico
secured a place in the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championships with a
victory over Canada in the semi finals of the Norceca-D
Qualification Tournament. The Puerto Ricans won by score of 26-24,
25-19, 25-22 The Canadians led in the first set until the second
technical time-out when the Puerto Ricans reacted with effective
offensive actions by Eva Cruz, Shannon Torregrosa and Aury Cruz. The
rest of the match was under control by the host team. This will be
the fourth participation of Puerto Rico in the World Championships.
The previous occasions were in Mexico 1974, Peru 1982 and Germany
2002. Eva Cruz led Puerto Rico with 21 points and Aury Cruz added
12. Emely Cordonier was the best scorer for Canada with 12 points.
Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “We have worked a lot
during the past months for this triumph. Even that we attained our
goal for this tournament, we want the opportunity to play against
USA.” Aury Cruz, captain of Puerto Rico: “”I am very happy with this
qualification, it was our objective and we accomplished it.” Lorne
Sawula, coach of Canada: “Puerto Rico played a great game. After the
first set it was tough for us. Now we have to concentrate in getting
the last position available for Japan.”
Spanish
USA finished on first place
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 17, 2005.- USA secured the first place in the
preliminary round of the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championship
Qualification Tournament Norceca –D, with a 3-1 (25-14, 23-25,
25-17, 25-20) victory over Puerto Rico USA, which has an perfect
record (4-0) had in Nancy Metcalf and Tayyiba Haneef, who both
scored 17 points, its best scorers. Puerto Rico had some moments of
brilliance but could not keep the consistency. Now, USA will face
Mexico in the semi finals of Thursday and Puerto Rico will meet
Canada. The winners will qualify for the world championships and the
losers will have another opportunity in the match for third place.
Lang Ping, Coach of USA: “This is the second time we face
Puerto Rico, the first one was in the Pan American Cup. It was a
good match and Puerto Rico is tremendous team.”
Juan Carlos Núñez, Coach of Puerto Rico:
“Our team has to look for consistency in all aspects
of the game. Our services were easy and the reception failed.”
Spanish
Canada defeated Panama
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 17, 2005.- Canada defeated Panama in straight sets
(25-18, 25-11 y 25-17) during the first day of the 2006 FIVB Men’s
World Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca –E.The
superiority of the Canadians was evident, and despite some
concentration problems in the second set they showed more experience
and took advantage of their size.Canadian Steven Brinkman was the
top scorer with 11 points and Panamanian Domingo Avila had
six.Stelio Derocco, coach of Canada: “We had ups and downs in the
game and that is because we haven’t played in two weeks and need to
find our game rhythm and elevate our concentration. I am sure that
from tomorrow on we will elevate our quality.”Murray Grapentine,
captain of Canada: “We made many defensive mistakes and I think the
offence needs to be more fluid the rest of the matches in order to
keep the same level of playing.” José A. Remón, coach of Panama:
“Their team is also bigger, something very important in volleyball,
and our defence was not good. But despite the loss, I hope we will
improve in the coming matches and finish at least in third
place.”Eduardo Guerra, captain of Panama: “It was a tough game for
us, because they have more experience at the international level. We
made many mistakes in reception and defence and could not display
our characteristic fast style.”
Spanish
Easy victory for Canada
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 17, 2005.- Canada finished the preliminary round
with a fast and easy win over Barbados, finishing in third place.
The score was 3-0 (25-14, 25-11 y 25-7). Lorne Sawula, Coach of
Canada: “It was a good game to prepare the team for the semi
finals. We don’t have a favourite to face in the semis and whoever
is the opponent we are going to play hard.” Paul Payne, Coach of
Barbados: “We know that we were going to finís fifth, but I
think the experience has been good because we placed in a high
level.”
Spanish
Cuba won, but Trinidad & Tobago impressed
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 17, 2005.- Cuba, one of the favourites to win one of
the two tickets available for the 2006 FIVB Men’s World
Championships in Norceca-E Qualification Tournament, triumphed 3-0
in its first outing, but Trinidad & Tobago impressed with their
aggressive style against their more experienced rivals. The match
finished with score of 25-19, 25-20 y 25-16. Raydel Poy was the best
scorer for Cuba with 12 points and Nolan Tash led the Trinidadians
with 8. The visitors jumped to the Ramon Fonst court very aggressive
since the start surprising the Cuban players and impressing the
crowd favourably.” Roberto García, coach of Cuba: “We congratulate
our opponents because they have grown up in volleyball and that is
satisfactory for the NORCECA area. They surprised some of our
players because we did not expect them to play at our same level.
That is why you have to respect all the teams.” Pavel Pimienta,
captain of Cuba: “There are teams that don’t have the level of the
teams we have faced this year, but you must play hard against
everyone and never getting too confident because with this system
anyone can make you 20 or 25 points.”Cidion Dickson, coach of
Trinidad & Tobago: “The first two sets were very competitive and the
errors in the first set affected the result and in the second the
serve of Cuba improved a lot and our reception was very bad.” Nolan
Tash, captain of Trinidad & Tobago: “It is a pleasure to be playing
against Cuba at their home. For us, this team has always an example
and to play at this level is very good. We have learned much from
this match, that was very good for us, but we need to keep training
hard to reach their level.”
Spanish
USA beat Canada with high blocking
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 16, 2005.- The high blocking of USA was the key
for the victory over Canada 3-0 in the 2006 FIVB Women’s World
Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca –D. The USA Team
entered the court determined to get the triumph and Coach Lang Ping
maintained the regular squad playing the whole match. The score was
(25-22, 25-18, 25-23) and Nancy Metcalf was the
leading performer with 17 points.
Lang Ping, Coach of USA:
“We worked very hard the whole match and minimized
the errors and played as it was planned.”
Lorne Sawula, Coach of Canada:
“I didn’t like the result. We made too many mistakes. We had some
good moments keeping the score close but could not complete several
key plays.”
Spanish
Mexico
advanced to the semis
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 16, 2005.- Mexico had to play hard in the first
set but from then on it was a comfortable win over Barbados 25-21,
25-12, 25-17 securing a place in the semi finals of Thursday.The
Mexicans needed to overcame a four point deficit late in the first
set (15-19) with the help from Bibiana Candelas’ spikes and the
strong serves of Ana Mercado, who both scored 15 points.Marco
Heredia, Coach of Mexico: “We were surprised by the game of
Barbados. The objective was to win the match to keep us in
contention and we could control the anxiety and nervousness to win
it.” Paul
Payne, Coach of Barbados:
“I think we showed that the hard work is paying. Now
this team is going to concentrate in gaining experience and look to
finish among the top six in the Norceca of September.” Spanish
What the coaches said before the Tournament in Havana
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 17, 2005.- The 2006 FIVB Men’s World Championships
Qualification Tournament Norceca-E start this Wednesday in Havana
with the matches Canada-Panama, Cuba-Trinidad & Tobago with Costa
Rica getting the rest day. These five teams will be disputing two of
the Norceca’s four tickets for the World event. This is what the
coaches said before the start of the tournament:
Stelio Derocco, Coach of Canada:
“This one represents the second of a series of three big tournaments
for us with a number of changes in our line up and we count with
young athletes with good talent. The America’s Cup was our first
official competition, where the team showed a lot of talent. We did
not have much international preparation before that Cup, but our
goal is not only to improve to the highest possible level but to
qualify for the World Championships.” Alberto Travieso, Coach of
Costa Rica: “Despite the deficit in the preparation of our
players who, after winning the first qualifying round went back to
their clubs, and were together only a few days before traveling to
Havana, this is fighting team tactically well prepared, and
physically is OK.
This
will permit us to get into the rhythm of competition and obtain a
good result in this Norceca.”
More...Spanish
Two tickets for the World Championships are available in Cuba
 HAVANA,
Cuba, August 16, 2005.- Two tickets for the 2006 FIVB Men’s World
Championships will be disputed at the Ramon Fonst Arena of the Cuban
capital in the Norceca-E Qualification Tournament on September
17-21. Canada, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, Costa Rica and host team
Cuba will be represented with its senior squads. The host team is
one of the favourites to qualify for the world championships,
considering its performance during the last version of the World
League, where they conquered the bronze medal, behind champion
Brazil and runner-up Serbia & Montenegro. According to the official
schedule of this North, Central America and Caribbean (NORCECA)
event, the two daily matches will be at 16:00 and 18:00, excepting
the final day on the 21st, when the first match is at 18:00 and the
second (National TV) will be at 20:40. The schedule, if there is no
change during the technical meeting, will be as follows: Wednesday
17, Canada-Panama and Cuba-Trinidad & Tobago; Thursday 18,
Canada-Trinidad & Tobago and Panama-Costa Rica; Friday 19, Trinidad
& Tobago-Panama and Cuba-Costa Rica; Saturday 20, Costa Rica-Canada
and Cuba-Panama and Sunday 21, Costa Rica-Trinidad & Tobago and
Cuba-Canada. This will be the first international event to be staged
at the Ramon Fonst Arena after the overall renovation of the
facility which included the outside, roof, offices, locker rooms and
other meeting rooms.
Spanish
Puerto Rico scored a dramatic victory
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 16, 2005.- Puerto Rico overcame two big deficits
of 0-5 and 6-10 in a dramatic tie-breaker, and defeated Canada for
its third victory at the 2006 FIVB Women’s World Championships
Qualification Tournament Norceca-D. The Puerto Ricans came from
behind, and supported by the crowd, they narrowed the gap with the
effective attacks and blocks by their middle blockers Jetzabel del
Valle and Alexandra Oquendo. The score was 25-21, 13-25, 17-25,
25-14, 16-14. Aury Cruz led Puerto Rico with 19 points, including 9
aces, and Shannon Torregrosa also had 19. Melissa Raymonds was the
best scorer for Canada with 17 points. Juan Carlos Nunez, Coach of
Puerto Rico: “Canada had an excellent game. They dominated the
fundamentals, but our blocking started to count and also our serves.
The team came from behind and the key players from the bench did
their job.”
Aury Cruz, Captain of Puerto Rico: “We had to make
our biggest effort. I knew that I had to put all in my services and
that’s what I did.” Melissa Raymond, Captain of Canada: “It was a
tough game that could have gone either way, but now we will
concentrate in the next matches.”
Spanish
Easy victory for USA over Mexico
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 16, 2005.- USA came determined to get a fast
victory and that is what did, defeating Mexico in only 58 minutes.
USA got the triumph 3-0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-15) in a match where coach
Lang Ping made only a few changes in the starting line-up. Nancy
Metcalf with 16 points and Katherine Williams and Tayyiba Haneef
with 13 and 12 respectively dominated and took advantage of the
smaller size of the Mexican blocking on the corners. Lang Ping,
Coach of USA: “It was a good match. We played by rallies, passed
well and played good defense.”Marco Heredia, Coach of Mexico: “The
blocking of USA was very high and it was very hard for us to make
the points.”
Spanish
Puerto Rico got its second victory
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 15, 2005.- Puerto Rico overcame some
inconsistency in the first set and defeated Mexico 3-1 (20-25,
25-17, 25-15, 25-15) in Day Two of the FIVB Women’s World
Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca –D. Setter Glorimar
Ortega entered the match in the second set and Puerto Rico started
to run a more fluid offence. Siblings Aury and Eva Cruz led the
attack with 17 and 14 points respectively in the second victory for
the host team. Juan Carlos Nunez, Coach of Puerto Rico: “We made the
adjustments and the girls found the rhythm. It was a good game and
since the start we knew that it was not going to be easy.” Eva Cruz,
Player of Puerto Rico: “We were not focused in the first set, but as
the match was advancing things were falling in the right place and
our game was more fluid.” Marco Heredia, Coach of Mexico: “We could
not execute as we wanted, now we must prepare for our game tomorrow
against United States that will be a tough one.”Bibi Candelas,
Captain of Mexico: “The tournament is not over, we have to
concentrate more in the next matches because the chances of
qualifying for the World Championships are still alive.”
Spanish
USA started on the right track
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 15, 2005.- USA started its participation at the
FIVB Women’s World Championships Qualification Tournament Norceca-D
with a comfortable victory over Barbados. The Americans dominated
with their good blocking and effective combinations created by
setter Lindsey Berg. The score was 3-0 (25-17, 25-9, 25-9).
Catherine Wilkins and Nancy Metcalf were the top scorers for USA
with 12 and 10 respectively. Lang Ping, Coach of USA: “It has been a
good match to see the girls and to start focusing for the rivals of
higher level.”Lindsey Berg, Captain of USA: “Our team is different
than the other we have played in the recent competitions but we are
ready to battle for the qualification.” Paul Payne, Coach of
Barbados: “We played against one of the best teams in the world and
they took advantage of their experience and size to dominate.”
Spanish
Good Start for Canada
 CAGUAS,
Puerto Rico, August 14, 2005.- Canada utilized its experience and
took advantage of several mistakes of Mexico to start with a victory
at the FIVB Women’s World Championship Qualification Tournament
Norceca-D. The Canadians won by score of 3-1 (25-20, 25-18, 22-25,
25-23) with consistent services that caused problems to the
receiving side. Captain and middle-blocker Melissa
Raymonds led Canada with 18 points and Barb Bellini added 14. Bibi
Candelas topped Mexico with 17 points.
Lorne
Sawula, Canadian Coach: “We have to play harder to obtain our
objectives, I think the most important thing is the consistency
because our next to opponents are teams of high level like USA and
Puerto Rico.” Melissa Raymond, Captain of Canada: “This victory is a
positive step for our team. It is good to start winning and we hope
to go from here and get our goal.” Marco Heredia, Mexican Coach: “We
have to improve our game, but considering it was our first one we
were not that bad. We know that we can have another crucial match
against Canada and can beat them.”
Spanish
First victory for Puerto Rico
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, August 14, 2005.-
Puerto
Rico started its quest for a berth in the Women’s FIVB World
Championships with an easy victory over Barbados in straight sets
(25-15, 25-11, 25-16). The Puerto Ricans had good blocking and
service to dominate the young team from Barbados and coach Juan
Carlos Nunez utilized all his players. Aury Cruz led Puerto Rico
with 10 points and Sheila Ocasio and Shannon Torregrosa each had 8.
Juan Carlos Nunez, Coach of Puerto Rico: “It was a match to use all
the players and prepare for our game of tomorrow against Mexico, a
rival with good tradition and experience.” Aury Cruz, Captain of
Puerto Rico: “I am pleased with the triumph and now we have to
prepare for the other rivals and obtain our goal of qualifying for
the World Championships.” Paul Payne, Coach of Barbados: “We played
against team of good level and this game helps to continue our
development, learning from teams of the Puerto Rico level.”
Spanish
Caribbean kings Barbados advance to round two of the World
Championship Qualifier
 Bridgetown,
Barbados, June 19, 2005 – Barbados predictably booked a trip for the
second round of the World Championships Qualifier in Puerto Rico in
August after winning round one without losing a match in the Norceca
Group A here at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Barbados. The
Caribbean kings dropped their only set of the tournament but still
dismissed the Netherlands Antilles, 25-16, 25-18, 20-25, 26-24.
Best Spiker Fabian Cox slammed a game high 12 kills for the Bajans
while captain and tournament MVP Elwyn Oxley was the Best Scorer
with 14 points. Paulina Gilbert scored 13 points for the
Netherlands. Jamaica placed second with a record of 2/1 while the
Netherlands finished third after winning two games and losing two.
The British Virgin Islands ended fourth after completing a hard
fought, 25-11, 14-25, 25-21, 20-25, 15-11, over the Cayman Islands.
Barbados volleyballers maintain their status of Caribbean Queens
 Bridgetown,
Barbados, June 19, 2005 – Barbados women easily defeated St. Kitts,
25-13, 25-7, 25-21, to win the World Championships Qualifier Norceca
Group A which was played here at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex
in Bridgetown. The Bajans will now advance to the second round after
placing top of the four-team contest without dropping a set.
Dominica ended second after coming from a set down to stop Anguilla,
22-25, 25-13, 25-17, 25-20. St. Kitts placed third and Anguilla
fourth.Tournament Best Server and MVP Barbadian Shari Matthews
rattled the Kittitians with some vicious spike serves while the
attack and blocking of her teammates denied the OECS team any hopes
of an upset. It was only the attack of Antoinette Nery and
Shanicia Dyer which prevented a total rout by the Bajans
Caribbean kings Barbados destroy Jamaica’s hopes of winning the
World Championship Qualifier in Barbados
 Bridgetown,
Barbados, June 18, 2005 – Barbados who has dominated volleyball at
the English-speaking Caribbean since 1992 reduced Jamaica to tears
as they put themselves within one set of winning the World
Championships Qualifier Norceca Group A here at the Garfield Sobers
Sports Complex in Barbados. The Jamaicans needed to beat Barbados in
order to clinch the top spot and a trip to the second round.
However, Barbados lead by the tireless captain Elwyn Oxley with nine
kills and his vice captain Renier Grace with seven, displayed a
ruthlessness in destroying Jamaica, 25-17, 25-19, 28-26.While Coach
Ludger Niles used just six players and the tournament’s leading
libero, Dwight Carter to complete the rout of the visitors, Coach
Phillip Greenland used all of his 12 players in a desperate bid to
halt the onslaught of the Bajans. However, only Mark Lewis with six
kills proved any threat to the hosts. Jamaica forced Barbados into
calling a time-out at, 0-5, in the third set with Jamaica looking
like pulling back at least that set.
Barbados remains on course to take the women’s World Championship
Qualifier
in Bridgetown
 Bridgetown,
Barbados, June 18, 2005 – Barbados women maintained their top
ranking by defeating Dominica, 25-18, 25-16, 25-16, on day two of
World Championships Qualifier Norceca Group A which was played here
at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Bridgetown. With captain
Anthazia Yearwood being absent as she was getting married on the day
of the match, vice captain, six footer Annette Chapman lead from the
front with a game high 12 kills to carry Barbados within one set of
advancing to the second round. Avara Brown contributed eight kills.
Dominica who had pipped St. Kitts in five sets on day one only
remained in contention through the efforts of Samantha Smith who
scored 11 kills. However, the all-round performance of the Bajans
proved too powerful for Dominica. Earlier St. Kitts rebounded from
the day one loss by thumping Anguilla, 25-21, 27-25, 25-13. Barbados
just needs one set from the final match against St. Kitts to book
the ticket to round two of the Qualifiers
Jamaica is one game away from the title
 BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, June 17, 2005 – Jamaica moved their record to 3-0 and put
themselves within one game of winning the Men’s World Championships
Qualifier Norceca Group A here at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex
in Barbados. The Jamaicans were powerful in executing a, 25-12,
25-10, 25-22, triumph over the winless British Virgin Islands.
Jamaica just has to overturn its ranking against the number one team
Barbados when the two meet tonight in a crucial battle at eight. The
Netherlands Antilles who had lost their opening game to Jamaica
rebounded strongly by trouncing the Cayman Islands, 25-13, 25-23,
25-15. Both the Cayman and BVI will be going after bragging rights
when they play each other as they are out of contention to win the
Qualifier.
Spanish
Barbados takes charge in the women’s event
 BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, June 17, 2005-Host
and number one team Barbados and Dominica scored contrasting wins
when the women’s World Championships Qualifier Norceca Group A
served off here at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Bridgetown.
After a stuttering start where Anguilla matched the Bajans point for
point and actually held set point, 24-22, Barbados literally powered
their opponents off of the court with crunching blocks and spikes.
An important kill by Jamaican-born Venessa Straughn at, 22-24, and
then an ace locked the scores, 24-all to then deny Anguilla a fairy
tale start to their Qualifiers. Coach Basil Jemmott wasted no time
in inserting Caribbean MVP Shari Matthews and setter Shennell
Beckles who had returned from the Pan American Cup in Santo
Domingo. With Beckles running the plays, Matthews, captain
Anthazia Yearwood, and six footer Annette Chapman then pounded their
opponents, particularly in the second and third set. Earlier
Dominica edged their OECS sisters St. Kitts in a match that went the
full distance, 21-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12. In the post match
interview Dominica’s coach, Andrew Culpepper, who is from Barbados,
expressed a pleasant surprise at how well his team matched the
Bajans. Coach Jemmott of Barbados stated that he was always
confident that his players would have taken the game in spite of the
worrying start in the first set.
Spanish
Barbados and Jamaica continue their dominance at World Championship
Qualifier
 Bridgetown,
Barbados, June 16, 2005 – Favorites Barbados and Jamaica continued
their dominance at the World Championships Qualifier Norceca Group A
here at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Barbados. Jamaica who
were runners-up to Barbados in the 2004 Caribbean Volleyball
Championships, dismissed all pre-tournament threats from the
Netherlands Antilles, 25-20, 25-21, 25- 19, to move to 2/0. Host
Barbados also advanced to 2/0 by whipping the Cayman Islands, 25-16,
25-19, 25-13. With the late arrivals the Netherlands losing their
game to Jamaica in straight sets, the clash between Jamaica and
Barbados on Saturday could be critical in determining who will go on
to the second round of the Qualifiers. Once again the Bajans were
supported by a vociferous crowd as the high leaping Fabian Cox lead
an aerial assault of power hitting against the hapless Cayman
Islanders. There was no ‘cease-fire’ even when coach Ludger Niles
decided to give some court time to the reserves. The Jamaican-based
Adrian Price, Shawn Simpson and junior captain, Daran Gill seized
the playing time to destroy the visitors’ net and court defence to
carry Barbados to an easy triumph. Coach Niles stated in the post
match interview that Barbados was moving towards the next level of
competition mentally and physically to ensure that victories would
be achieved against Jamaica on Saturday and the Netherlands on
Sunday. The Caymans’ coach Shannon Emslie stated that his team’s
goal was to continue competing at this level in order for his
country to fulfill the goal of creating a top volleyball team within
the next five years.
Spanish
Barbados and Jamaica make winning starts to their World Championship
campaign
 BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, June 15, 2005 -Caribbean number one team Barbados and
number two Jamaica made slow but successful starts to their World
Championships Qualifier bid in Norceca Group A here at the Garfield
Sobers Sports Complex in Barbados. Playing before an excited crowd,
the Bajans led by the high leaping Fabian Cox dismissed the
inexperienced British Virgin Islands, 25-20, 25-22, 25-15. Earlier
Jamaica stopped the Cayman Islands, 25-17, 25-14, 25-15. The
Caymans, in an admirable display of sportsmanship agreed to play
Jamaica as their original opponents the Netherlands Antilles were
delayed by flight problems. However, the Cayman islanders could not
contend with the taller and more aggressive Jamaicans. In the post
match interview the long serving coach of Jamaica, Phillip Greenland
indicated that his team was just trying to come to terms with the
court and the conditions to get battle ready for the Netherlands and
Barbados. The Caymans’ coach Shannon Emslie stated that his team did
not contain the depth of talent like the other squads but they were
committed to developing and learning for future competitions.
...Spanish
Organizers in Barbados hosted a reception
 BRIDGETOWN,
Barbados, June 15, 2005.- The Organizing
Committee of Barbados’ World Championship Qualifiers hosted a
reception for the officials and visiting teams at the Sandy Bay
Hotel on the eve of the competition. President John Griffith who is
the internal auditor for FIVB as well as the Treasurer for
Norceca extended a warm welcome to the
visitors. Ms. Mona Alleyne, the Deputy
Director of Sports also welcomed the visitors on behalf of the
Barbados Government and she announced Government's monetary support
of the venture. Secretary General of the Barbados Olympic
Association disclosed that the BOA was putting $50 000 towards
helping the BVA successfully stage the Qualifiers. Mr.
Mushtaque Mohammed, the president of
Cazova also addressed the gathering.
Spanish
Nolan Tash was elected the
MVP
 PORT
OF SPAIN, Trinidad.May
29,2005- The very talented Nolan Tash, who led Trinidad
& Tobago to the triumph in the Norceca Pool B tournament, was
elected as the Most Valuable Player of the event. “I don’t think
this was my best ever performance, but I rather prefer this type of
performance and the victory of my team,” said after the closing
ceremony. “But I like the spotlight and it was very nice to enjoy
the support of the fans. ”The rest of the All-Star team was completed
by the following: Kemoroy Percival (SKN), Best Defense and Libero;
Saleem Ali (TRI), Best Setter; Martin Vaughn (TRI), Best Receiver;
Sherwin Richardson (AGU), Best Blocker; Sean Morrison (TRI), Best
Spiker and Dionus Augustus (LCA), Best Server, and Shawn Seabrooks
(SKN), Best Scorer.
Pic:
from left to right: MVP Nolan Tash (Trinidad & Tobago), Top Scorer
Shawn Seabrooks (St Kitts & Nevis), Best Server Dionus Agustus (St
Lucia), Best Spiker Sean Morrison ( Trinidad & Tobago), Best Blocker
Sherwin Richardson (Anguilla), Best Receiver Vaugn Martin (Trinidad &
Tobago), Best Setter Saleem Ali (Trinidad & Tobago), Best Defence
and Best Middle Kemoroy Percival (St Kitts & Nevis)
Spanish
Trinidad & Tobago advances to round 2 in Cuba
 PORT
OF SPAIN, Trinidad.May
29,2005-
Hosts Trinidad & Tobago advanced to the second round of the 2006
Men’s World Championship in the Norceca Region with a 3-0 (25-16,
25-20, 25-15) victory over Dominica. Gifted Nolan Tash led his team
with 21 points and Sean Morrison and Mark Daly added 11 and 10
respectively. David Toussaint was the top scorer for Dominica with
10 points.
Trinidad & Tobago showed in the first set why they finished the
competition with an unbeaten record. Tash once again the main force
of the host side with potent spikes benefiting from the settings of
Saleem Ali. In the second set, Dominica responded with a great
effort only to lose momentum at the latter stages. The third set saw
the Trinidadians dominate and cruise to a great celebration after
winning the ticket to the second round in Havana. Gideon Dickson,
coach of Trinidad & Tobago: “We knew from then on set that we were
going to move on from this round. For the next phase once T & T
perform on the day in question, the better team will have to win. We
are going out there to dictate our performance.” Nolan Tash, captain
of Trinidad & Tobago: “The guys showed a lot of depth and character
and I appreciate the position we are going into the next round as
the dark horse. I love being the underdog. I believe the team has
the ability to perform.”
Spanish
St. Kitts & Nevis finished with two wins
|
2nd Round of
the 2006 FIVB