Six Teams from NORCECA start playing in Japan on Tuesday

Cristóbal Marte elected Second Vice President of FIVB

Tokyo, 25th October 2006 – On the closing day of the 30th FIVB World Congress, delegates representing 196 of the FIVB’s 219 national federations present at the Congress unanimously re-elected Dr Ruben Acosta Hernandez as the President of the FIVB. Ruben Acosta has been President of the International Volleyball Federation since 1984 and is only the second President of the organisation after its founding President, Frenchman Paul Libaud. More

Congress delegates give FIVB President Ruben Acosta a standing ovation

SANTO DOMINGO , Dominican Republic , October 11, 2006.- The Dominican Republic Women’s Team will travel to Japan next Saturday to complete their training before the World Championship.

On Tuesday, the team received the National Flag presented by Mr. Felipe Payano, the Minister for Sports and Physical Education of the country, during a ceremony at his offices in Santo Domingo .

“Our goal is to finish in third place in our pool in the preliminary phase and then see which will be our opponents in the next phase and set a realistic target,” More  Spanish

Cuba’s Men to play against Poland and Bulgaria 

HAVANA, Cuba, October 10, 2006.- The  Cuba Team that will take part in  the Men’s World Championship is traveling to Poland next October 21 to start the final stage of its preparation.

Roberto Garcia, the head coach, informed that in Poland they will play two matches against the Polish National Team.

Cuba is part of Pool B along with Brazil, Germany, Australia, Greece and France, while Poland will play in Pool A with Egypt, Puerto Rico, . More  Spanish

HAVANA, Cuba, October 9, 2006.- Fourteen Cuban players are currently training in Russia paving the road toward the Women’s World Championship to be held in several Japanese cities starting on October 31.

Standouts middle blockers Zoila Barros and Nancy Carrillo along with attackers Yumilka Ruiz and Rosir Calderon are the top fixtures of the squad that also features setters Daimi Ramirez, Liana Mesa and Yanelis Santos.

At the end of this final phase, twelve players will be selected with the mission of improving the fifth place attained by Cuba’s women in Germany 2002.

The training group includes also Rachel Sanchez, Yenisey Gonzalez, Yaima Ortiz, Kenia Carcaces, Lisbet Arredondo, Yusidey Silie and Yusleinis Herrera.  More  Spanish

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

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

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

MONTERREY, México, September 29, 2006.- Dominican Bethania de la Cruz was elected the Most Valuable Placer of the TV Azteca’s Women Stars Volleyball Cup won by her team with an unbeaten record in five matches.

De la Cruz, who also took the same honor during the NORCECA Continental U-20 Tournament here last August, was the best Dominican scorer with 77 points, including eight blocks and four service winners.

Cuban Yusleyni Herrera was the best scorer with 118 points in six matches and Dominican Cindy Rondon finished as the best spiker with 60.98 average of success (50-for-82). More  Spanish

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 28, 2006.- Dominican Republic and Peru will play the championship match of the TV Azteca’s Women Stars Volleyball Cup after recording four-set victories on Thursday.

The Dominicans recovered from losing the first set and went on to defeat Cuba 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-21, and Peru won over Puerto Rico by 25-22, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21.

In the first match of the day for the seventh place, Canada defeated Costa Rica in straight sets 25-22, 25-20, 25-16.

Bethania de la Cruz topped the Dominican Republic with 21 points and Sofia Heredia and Altagracia Mambru added 16 and 10 respectively. Yusleini Herrera led Cuba with 14 points and Natali Grinan and Indira Mestre each had 10 points.  More  Spanish

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 27, 2006.- Cuba and Peru completed on Wednesday the four semifinalists of the TV Azteca’s Volleyball Women Stars Cup.

On Thursday, Cuba will meet Dominican Republic while Peru will entertain Puerto Rico, the unbeaten winners of Pools A and B respectively.

Cuba defeated Mexico 28-26, 25-19, 26-24 and Peru scored a 25-18, 16-25, 26-24, 25-18 over USA.

Cuban Yusleini Herrera repeated her dose of power against the Mexicans, who could not stop her continuous spikes good for 21 points, this time supported by 14 points each from Yusidey Silie and Natali Grinan. Slender Bibi Candelas was the only Mexican in double figures with 17 points. More  Spanish

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

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

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

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 25, 2006.- Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic lead their respective pools at the first TV Azteca’s Women Stars  Volleyball Cup after two days of action.

On Monday, Puerto Rico scored a four set victory (25-20, 25-18, 24-26, 25-21) over Cuba relying on the effectiveness of their serves and defense at the net, and Dominican Republic had an easy triumph over Costa Rica in straight sets (25-12, 25-13, 25-17).

Aury Cruz led the Puerto Rican offense with 18 points and Eva Cruz and Sheila Ocasio each added 13 points. Yusleyni Herrera was the best Cuban with 16 points. More  Spanish

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 24, 2006.- Puerto Rico scored its first win ever against USA in women’s volleyball starting the action of Pool B at the TV Azteca’s Women Stars Cup with a 25-22, 22-25, 25-16, 26-24 victory.

Siblings Aury and Eva Cruz led the Puerto Rican offense with 20 and 18 points respectively, and Kathleen Olsovsky topped the Americans with 20 points and Jane Collymore and Wiz Bachman each had 14.

In their previous meeting, USA had defeated Puerto Rico in five sets at the Pan American Cup in San Juan, frustrating the hopes of the host team to qualify for the 2007 World Grand Prix. More  Spanish

MONTERREY, Mexico, September 22, 2006.- The Puerto Rican National Team will arrive today to take part in the first edition of the Women’s All-Stars Tournament sponsored by TV Azteca.

This competition is part of the preparation of the Puerto Rican Team towards its participation in the World Championship in Japan.

Captain Aury Cruz leads the squad competing in Monterrey along with her sister Eva Cruz and Alexandra Oquendo, Jetzabel Del Valle, Vilmarie Mojica, Glorimar Ortega, Yarleen Santiago, Tatiana Encarnación antd attacker Joedly Narváez, who will make her debut with the Senior Team after taking part with the U-18 side in the NORCECA Continental Tournament in Gainesville, Florida.

Opposites Karina Ocasio and Shannon Torregrosa will not make the trip to Mexico. Ocasio is recovering from a right shoulder injury, and Torregrosa is out of Puerto Rico taking care of personal issues. More  Spanish

HAVANA, Cuba, September 20, 2006.- Cuba will be represented at Copa TV Azteca in Monterrey, Mexico by a mixture of young and experienced players while the main fixtures of the National Team take some time off in their preparation for the World Championship.

Twelve players have been training at the Cerro Pelado High Performance Center under the supervision of Adalberto Valdez and the assistance of Miguel Alvarez and Wilfredo Robinson.

The team consists of Yusleny Herrera, Nathaly Grinan, Norisleidis Acea, Yisel Silva, Dalina Bocourt and Dayesi Maso. More  Spanish

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, September 19, 2006.- The U.S. Women’s National Team will compete in the Azteca Cup held Sept. 24-29 at Monterrey, Mexico. The event was a late addition to Team USA’s schedule.

The Azteca Cup, in its first year of existence, is an eight-team tournament broken into two pools advancing to the classification round. The U.S. is grouped in Pool B with Canada, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Pool A consists of host Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Peru.

The Team USA roster for the Azteca Cup will be a mixture of players from the senior and junior national teams, along with a couple players who competed and trained with the national team earlier this year. Elisabeth Bachman, Sarah Drury, Jane Collymore, Sam Tortorello and Katie Olsovsky represent the women’s national training team.  More  Spanish

BENIDORM, Spain, September 17, 2006.- Grupo Murcia 2002 won the IV Women’s International Volleyball Villa de Benidorm Tournament with a victory over Dominican Republic National Team by score of 25-19, 28-26, 15-25, 25-21.

Dominican Milagros Cabral was elected as the Most Valuable Player of the competition by the vote of the players.

In the match for the bronze medal, Visual Home Benidorm defeated Spar Tenerife 25-14, 25-17, 23-25, 25-21 with the good defensive performance of Vanesa Palacios and the attack of Leyla Chihuan and Daniela Patino. More  Spanish

BENIDORM, Spain , September 16, 2006.- Dominican Republic and Grupo Murcia 2002 will battle for the title in the final match of the IV Women’s International Volleyball Villa de Benidorm Tournament.

In the semi final round, the Dominicans, a team in preparation for the next World Championship in Japan , defeated host Visual Home Benidorm while Grupo Murcia 2002 beat Spar Tenerife Marichal.

The Dominicans lost the first set and prevailed in a long second set, to defeat Home Benidorm by score of 20-25, 33-31, 25-12, 25-16. More  Spanish

BENIDORM, Spain, September 15, 2006.- Dominican Republic, Spar Tenerife, Home Benidorm and Grupo Murcia 2002, are the semi finalists of the IV Women’s International Volleyball Villa de Benidorm Tournament.

The Dominican Republic literally pushed off the court the Nova Gorica of Slovenia, a side that was no match against one of the best teams on the planet. It is not a coincidence that in one month they will be battling for the title of World Champions in Japan.

The Dominicans only needed 23 minutes to dispatch the Slovenians 25-10, with a great performance both offensively and defensively. The second set was not different and the Caribbean only needed 22 minutes to beat their rivals 25-17. More  Spanish

BENIDORM, Spain, September 14, 2006.- The Dominican Republic recorded two victories on Wednesday and qualified in first place of Pool B at the IV Women’s International Volleyball Tournament Villa de Benidorm.

The Dominicans first scored a 2-1 (25-14, 25-14, 23-25) victory over Spaniard Grupo Murcia 2002 during the morning session, and then routed Scavolini de Pesaro of Italy 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-18) in the afternoon. More  Spanish

BENIDORM, Spain, September 13, 2006.- The Dominican Republic defeated the Longa Lichtenvoorde Club of Netherlands 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-22) in the first day of action of the IV Benidorm Volleyball Tournament at the Palau d’Esport L’Illa.

Annerys Vargas led the Dominicans with 17 points and Cindy Rondon added 12.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico lost to host Benidorm 2-1 (25-14, 25-18 y 26-28). These two National Teams from NORCECA Confederation are using the tournament as part of their preparation for the next World Championship in Japan. More Spanish

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, September 12, 2006.- Trinidad & Tobago won the women’s CAZOVA title for the first time in ten years prevailing against favorite Barbados in well fought five-setter that finished 25-17, 25-12, 22-25, 23-25, 15-12 in Bahamas.

Kelly Billingy, the United States based star player for T & T, was spectacular in the gold medal match scoring 23 points while Rheeza Grant, the most consistent attacker during the one-week event, added 16 points and Karen Moses contributed five blocks.

Billingy, who was nursing an injury but recovered on time to produce her decisive performance, stated after the final: More Spanish

ABANILLA, Spain, September 12, 2006.- The Dominican Republic defeated Grupo Murcia 2002  in straight sets (26-24, 25-19, 25-20), taking the first place at the First Summer International Trophy Ciudad de Abanilla.

The Dominicans, who were coming from finishing in the eighth position at the FIVB World Grand Prix relied on its heavy artillery that included Cosiris Rodriguez, Evelyn Carrera and Annerys Vargas, the latest player signed by Evedasto Lifante for Grupo Murcia 2002. More Spanish

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 11, 2006.- Cuba was the best team of NORCECA Confederation at the 2006 World Grand Prix with a fourth place in  the annual women’s competition of FIVB.

The Olympic bronze medallists recovered from losing their first two matches and made it to the Final Round with a 6-3 record.

Once in Reggio Calabria, Cuba opened the Final Six Round losing to Olympic champions China 3-1 (25-19, 21-25, 25-23, 25-16) in Pool A, but came back on the shoulders of Yumilka Ruiz and Rosir Calderon to defeat Italy 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23) advancing to a semi final match against Brazil, winner of Pool B. More Spanish

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, September 11, 2006.- The Dominican Republic was the most improved team at this year’s FIVB World Grand Prix, catapulting themselves from eleventh to the eighth position in the premier annual women event.

The Dominicans started the preliminary round with impressive victories over USA and Poland during the Bydgoszcz leg and stretched champions Brazil and Japan –two teams in the Final Six-  More Spanish

NINGBO , China , September 2, 2006.- Cuba produced a stylish performance Saturday to defeat Azerbaijan in straight sets (25-18, 25-20, 28-26) at the FIVB World Grand Prix Ningbo leg.

The Cubans improved their record to 6-2 and qualified to the final round of the event to be held in Reggio Calabria , Italy .

Nancy Carrillo was the best offensive weapon for the Cubans, scoring 21 points. Yumilka Ruiz had 12 and Rosir Calderon chipped in 11. More Spanish

NINGBO, China, September 1, 2006.- Cuba staged an impressive comeback victory over Poland in a five-set thriller Friday on the opening day of the final weekend of FIVB World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament.

Cuba, which has five victories in a row, is almost a cinch to make the final round of this annual competition. The score was 18-25, 25-27, 25-15, 25-16, 15-9.

Nancy Carrillo and Rosir Calderon had 28 and 24 points respectively to lead the Cuban victory. Yumilka Ruiz added 18 and Yenissey Gonzalez and Daimi Ramirez each contributed 11 points. More Spanish

OKAYAMA, Japan, August 29, 2006.- Dominican Annerys Vargas and Cuban Rosir Calderon are leaders of the blocking and attack departments of the Volleybal FIVB World Grand Prix.

Alter the completion of two Preliminary Rounds, Vargas is tops in blocking with a total of 28 and average of 1.12 by set. Vargas, who had 15 during the three matches in Macau, China, is followed by American Heather Bown with 23 and Cuban Nancy Carrillo with 19. More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 28, 2006.- Puerto Rico won the gold medal at the 2006 NORCECA Youth Men’s Continental Tournament while defeating USA 25-20, 25-22, 25-21. Both teams were already qualified for next year’s World Championship.

Captain Enmanuel Batista was the top scorer with 15 points, Omar Rivera added 13 and Sequiel Sanchez had 11 points. More Spanish

TAIPEI, Taiwan, August 27, 2006.- Cuba recovered from a slow start at this year FIVB World Grand Prix conquering its third consecutive victory in a five-set battle with Azerbaijan.

The Cubans have a 3-3 record and they are the NORCECA’s team with better record in the annual women competition. Dominican Republic lost today to China and is 2-3, while USA was defeated by Brazil and is 1-4 in the Preliminary Rounds. More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 26, 2006.-  Showing composure beyond its years, the USA came back from a two-set deficit to defeat Cuba, 3-2 (18-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-13), on Saturday in the semifinals of the 2006 NORCECA Boys U-19 Continental Championship.

With the victory they joined Puerto Rico as teams qualified for the 2007 FIVB Boys Youth World Championships. Those teams will meet in the finals on Sunday.

“The win over Cuba was fantastic,” said U.S. Head Coach Tino Reyes “The team just wouldn’t quit and kept fighting after being down 2-0. The staff kept preaching and the boys did a great job.” More Spanish

MACAO, China.- Brazil edged Dominican Republic on Friday coming from one set down to win a five-set battle starting the second weekend of the FIVB World Grand Prix. Sheilla Castro scored five of her 17 points in the decisive fifth set and Caroline Gattaz came from the bench to block three balls and the double champions Brazilians kept their unbeaten record in four outings winning by score of 25-14, 22-25, 20-25, 25-17 and 15-8.

The Dominicans saw their record leveled at 2-2. In the other match here, China maintained its perfect record but also had to battle during five sets to defeat USA (1-3) by score of 25-27, 25-22, 25-22, 20-25 and 16-14. Meanwhile in Chinese Taipei, Cuba (2-2) defeated Thailand 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-17). More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 25, 2006.- USA and Canada joined the semi finals of the NORCECA Boys’ U-19 Continental Tournament scoring easy 3-0 victories on Friday over Mexico and Dominican Republic.

The Americans defeated Mexico 25-16, 25-9, 25-13 advancing to a contest against Cuba, while the Canadians triumphed over host Dominicans 25-21, 25-20, 25-19 and now will meet Puerto Rico. More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 24, 2006.- Puerto Rico beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-9) to win Pool A of the NORCECA Boys U-19 Continental Tournament advancing the semi final round.

Rafael Negron scored 10 points and was the only placer with double figures. He was followed by Omar Rivera and William Badillo with 9 and 8 points respectively. More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 23, 2006.- Puerto Rico and Cuba kept their unbeaten records in two outings at the NORCECA Boys’ U-19 Tournament, where the two top ranked team will qualify for the 2007 FIVB World Championship.

The Puerto Ricans beat Dominican Republic in straight sets 25-21, 25-17 y 25-16 and the Cubans also blanked Canada 3-0, earning a spot in the semi finals of next Saturday. More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 23, 2006.- Puerto Rico, Cuba and Dominican  Republic won its opening matches at the NORCECA Boys U-19 Tournament, a qualifier for next year’s FIVB World Championship.

Puerto Ricans defeated USA Team in straight sets (26-24, 25-21. 25-20) with great floor defense coverage and good attack. More Spanish

HAVANA, Cuba, August 22, 2006.- Outstanding personalities from several generations received the Cuban Centennial Volleyball Medal during a ceremony celebrated at the Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum in Havana.

Players, technicians, medical doctors, journalists and coaches were decorated during the ceremony presided over by Christian Jimenez, president of the National Sports, Physical Education and Recreation Institute, Roberto Leon Richard, vice president of the organism and Raul Diago, president of the Cuban Volleyball Federation.

Among the personalities decorated was Dr. Ruben Acosta, president of the Federation Internazionale de Volleyball (FIVB), represented by Mr. Claude Evrad, supervisor in Havana for the Cuba-Korea World League Round. More Spanish

BAYAGUANA, Dominican Republic, August 22, 2006.- USA and Puerto Rico will meet in the inaugural match of the NORCECA Boys Continental Tournament starting on Tuesday at the Municipal Gym of this Dominican province.

Cuba will play against Mexico in the following match before the Opening Ceremony where Felipe Payano, the Dominican Minister of Sports, and Luis Mejia, President of the Dominican Olympic Committee are special guests.

Alexis Garcia, President of the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation also will be in attendance as Nelson Ramirez, President of the Control Committee for the competition. More Spanish

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, August 19, 2006.- Costa Rica defeated Guatemala 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-16) and won the Women’s Central American Crown for eight consecutive year and eleventh time in the fourteen years of the event history.

The Costa Ricans finished the competition with a 5-0 record and won the 15 sets they played along the way. Guatemala ended with 4-1 mark good for the silver medal and the bronze went to Nicaragua (3-2). More Spanish

BYDGSZCZ, Poland, August 18, 2006.- Nurys Arias led a well balanced attack scoring at least 20 points for the second time, and the Dominican Republic defeated Poland at its own soil by score of 25-23, 25-20, 28-30, 25-17.

It was the second triumph for the Dominicans in three outings at the 2006 FIVB World Grand Prix, finishing the Polish leg only behind the unbeaten Italy.

It was the third time in four contests that Dominican Republic gets the win over Poland going back to the 2003 World Cup. More Spanish

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, August 18, 2006.- Costa Rica, the first ever team from Central America to qualify for the Women’s World Championship, is sharing with Guatemala the top position at the XIV Central American Cup both with 3-0 records.

Led by team Captain Verania Willis, the Costa Ricans have swept Honduras, Panama and El Salvador during the first three days of action of the round-robin tournament that ends on Saturday. More Spanish

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland, August 17, 2006.- Italy defeated Dominican Republic in straight sets (25-17, 25-17, 25-18) for its second triumph without losses at the 2006 FIVB World Grand Prix.

The blocking of the Italians (13-5) was the key ingredient for the easy victory over the Dominicans who are now 1-1 after two outings.  More Spanish