Canet-Sinal won two in tie-breakers

 

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, April 18, 2008.- The Cuban duo of Ion Canet-Nirian Sinal twice had to come from behind and play three sets but at the end emerged with a pair of victories in the first day of action of the 2008 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit.

 

On Friday morning, Canet-Sinal, winners of the first leg in Boca Chica, first defeated Laura Molina-Ivonne Soler of El Salvador 19-21, 21-15, 15-6. Then in the afternoon, they edged Mexicans Bibiana Candelas-Mayra Garcia 17-21, 21-18, 15-9.

 

In the first match, Canet suffered a left foot injury in the second set when they were ahead 17-14. After five minutes, she came back with renovated strength and led her side to the victory.

 

Guatemalans Maria José Orellana and Anna Ramirez also were successful in two outings. They first defeated Heydi Trana-Heisell Guadique of Nicaragua by score of 21-11, 21-16 in a battle between Central American rivals, and then beat Canadians Tammy Thomas-Kristina Long 21-16, 22-20.

 

The young Mexico (2) team of Diana Estrada-Rosario Reyes is also 2-0. They won 21-0, 21-0 over St. Vincent & Grenadines and then scored a major upset by defeating Puerto Ricans Sheila Lopez-Maria Teresa Ramos 27-25, 21-15.

 

Candelas-Garcia made an impressive debut by obtaining an easy win over the USA team of Rosalinda Masler and Kathleen Madden by score of 21-15, 21-8.

 

The team of St. Vincent & Grenadines did not show up because of travel difficulties.

 

Friday Results: CUB d. ESA 19-21, 21-15, 15-6; MEX d. USA 21-15, 21-8; GUA (1) d. NIC 21-11, 21-16; CAN d. TTO 21-11, 21-10; PUR d. GUA (3) 21-14, 21-18; MEX (2) d. VIN 21-0, 21-0; ESA (2) d. SKN 21-16, 21-14; GUA (2) d. CRC 21-18, 21-19; CUB d. MEX 17-21, 21-18, 15-9; GUA (1) d. CAN 21-16, 22-20; MEX (2) d. PUR 27-25, 21-15; GUA (2) d. ESA (2) 21-18, 17-21, 15-9