RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 28, 2007.- Brazilian Gilberto Godoy, better known by his nickname of “Giba” by the volleyball crowds around the world, was elected today as the Most Valuable Player of the Men’s Tournament of the Pan American Games.

Fresh from the victory in the World League, the powerful attacker and all-around player led Brazil to its first crown in the continental multi-sport competition since 1983. Brazil defeated USA in the match for the gold medal.

Brazil sent two more players to the All-Star Team with setter Marcelo Elgarten and Sergio Santos who took the medals as best libero and receiver.

Puerto Rican Hector Soto finished as the best scorer and his fellow countryman Gregory Berrios was the best defender. More Spanish

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 28, 2007.- Reigning Olympic and World Champion Brazil added another title to its big collection by winning the men’s volleyball gold medal of the Pan American Games.

The Brazilians crowned their campaign of 3-0 victories with a straight sets triumph over USA 25-16, 25-20, 25-22, claiming their first gold medal of the quadrennial event since the 1983 edition in Caracas. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 28, 2007.- Cuba won the bronze medal with a five-set victory over Venezuela by scores of 25-16, 23-25, 27-25, 17-25 and 18-16.

“We won by combining our skills, but I consider the serves as the key element,” said Orlando Samuel, the coach of Cuba.

“It was a good game for both teams and the outcome could have gone either way,” said Ricardo Navajas, the coach of Venezuela. “I am satisfied of what I have seen from my team and I think we have a good potential for future competitions.” More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 28, 2007.- Puerto Rico qualified in the fifth position of the Pan American’s men volleyball tournament with a 3-0 victory over Argentina by scores of 25-22, 25-22, 30-28.

Puerto Rican Hector Soto produced 20 points and cemented his position as the leading scorer of the competition. Victor Rivera and Luis Rodriguez contributed 14 and 13 points respectively. Argentina had in Lucas Chavez (13) and Gaston Gianni (10) its best scorers.

“We did not come here looking for a fifth place, but at least we improved from the last edition,” said Soto. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 28, 2007.- Canada downed Mexico in straight sets and the victory was good for the seventh place in the men’s volleyball tournament of the Pan American Games. The Canadians won by scores of 26-24, 25-22, 25-20 in 80 minutes.

Canada played with good control and had effective blocking in route to the victory over a Mexican squad that left the competition without any success.More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 27, 2007.- Brazil defeated Venezuela in straight sets 30-28, 25-18 y 25-16 and moved to the final of the Men’s Tournament of the Pan American Games against USA.

Venezuela was ahead 23-19 in the first set but could not close it and the Brazilians tied with a block by Giba Godoy followed by powerful serves from Andre Nascimento to even the score at 23-all.

From that point on, the teams embraced in a tough exchange until a spike down the middle by Gustavo Endres gave the victory to the owners of the house. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 27, 2007.- USA had five players with double figures in scoring and beat Cuba 3-1 (25-23, 25-17, 24-26 y 25-23) advancing to the final of the Men’s Tournament of the Pan American Games.

“We knew it was going to be a tough match because Cuba always plays strong and we were prepared for it,” said Ron Larsen, the American coach. “We are very satisfied for winning this very difficult match. The guys prepared well, and never lost the confidence and the concentration.” More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 27, 2007.- Puerto Rico scored an easy triumph 3-0 (25-19, 25-19 y 25-18) over Mexico and will meet Argentina for the fifth place of the Men’s Tournament of the Pan American Games.

“We came looking to dominate every aspect of the game and did it,” said Luis Ruiz, the Puerto Rican coach. “We have to credit the boys, who played great today and put the opponents to the defensive.” More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 27, 2007.- Argentina defeated Canada in a five-set thriller  (16-25, 25-23, 30-28, 19-25, 25-23) and will play for the fifth place of the Men’s Tournament of the Pan American Games.

The best Argentineans scorers were Lucas Chávez with 25 points, Gustavo Scholtis had 21, Gaston Giani 15 and Diego Stepanenko 11. Canada had Nicholas Cundy with 24 puntos, Paul Duerden added 21, Fred Winters 20, Brett Youngberg 12 and Murray Grapentine 10.

“Even though it was a match with many mistakes from both sides, I think in general it was a good game because it was close and with a lot of alternatives. I am very happy with the victory,” said Jon Uriarte, the coach of Argentina. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 25, 2007.- Cuba beat Canada in straight sets (25-19, 25-17, 25-22) of Pool A and moved to the semi final phase of the volleyball competition in the Pan American Games.

On Friday, the Cubans will play against USA while Venezuela will meet Brazil in the semi finals. The winners will go for the gold and the losers will dispute the bronze medal.

Pedro Iznaga led the balanced Cuban attack with 10 points. Michael Sanchez and Roberlandy Simon each had 9 points, and Oriol Camejo and Osdelvis Dominicano each produced 8 tallies. Paul Duerden and Fred Winters with 14 and 10 points topped Canada. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 25, 2007.- The USA Men’s Team swept Puerto Rico 25-22, 25-17, 25-23 to conclude the preliminary round with an undefeated record in three outings.

Sean Rooney and Brook Billings were the best scorers for USA with 14 points apiece. Jose Rivera topped Puerto Rico with 12 points and Victor Rivera provided 10.

“We are going to have to play better the rest of the tournament,” said coach Ron Larsen. “However, we pride ourselves on working hard. We can control our own effort, but we can not always control our performance.” More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 25, 2007.- Brazil blanked Mexico and advanced to the semi finals with an unbeaten record. Despite keeping on the bench their starting players, the World Champions easily downed their opponents 25-17, 25-23, 25-21.

Anderson Rodrigues was the top Brazilian scorer with 17 points and Samuel Fuchs and Murilo Endres had 15 and 10. Mexican Gustavo Meyer scored 11 tallies.

“We don’t have a preferred rival for the semi final match, we just go out and play our game,” More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 25, 2007.- Venezuela defeated Argentina 3-0 taking an important step toward the defense of the gold medal in the Men’s Volleyball Tournament. After losing in their first match, the Venezuelans won the next two and finished with a 2-1 mark in Pool B with their 25-17, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Argentina (0-3).

Harry Gomez with 19 points led Venezuela and Tomas Ereu and Luis Diaz had 16 and 10 respectively. Argentina had Gustavo Scholtis with 9 points and Diego Stepanenko and Lucas Chavez with 8 apiece.

More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 24, 2007.- Brazil advanced to the semi finals of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament by sweeping Cuba  25-23, 25-20 y 25-20 in Pool A. The second victory without losses assures the Brazilians one spot in the next phase.

Giba Godoy led the Brazilians with 16 points, Andre Nascimento added 11, and Rodrigo Santana had 10. Cubans Michael Sanchez and Roberlandy Simon had 14 and 11 respectively.

The first set was very close and was tied 22-22 with Cuba showing great blocking. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 24, 2007.- Behind four players scoring double-figure points, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team swept Argentina 25-17, 25-22, 25-21 in Pool B action.

Brook Billings led the U.S. with 12 points, Sean Rooney and Jim Polster turned in 11 points apiece and Delano Thomas provided 10. Lucas Chavez paced Argentina with 13 points despite only starting the third set.

"Tonight was a nice match by both teams," Polster said.  More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 24, 2007.- Canada came back from a poor first set and defeated Mexico 3-1 for its first victory in Pool A of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament. The sets finished 17-25, 25-19, 29-27, 25-19, with Dallas Soonias scoring 20 points coming from the bench.

The Canadians evened their record in 1-1 and sent Mexico to a 0-2 mark with one match to play against host Brazil.

“We could stabilize our game, leaving behind the mistakes and going back to the fundaments,” said Gleann Hoag, the Canadian coach.  More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 24, 2007.- Venezuela got its first victory by defeating Puerto Rico 3-1 in Pool B of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the Pan American Games.

Following a well fought first set which ended 31-29 in favour of Puerto Rico, the Venezuelans commanded the match and prevailed in the next three sets by scores of
25-16, 25-18 y 25-19.

Ivan Marquez was the big man of Venezuela with 21 points. Luis Diaz had 14, Harry Gomez 13 and Tomás Ereu 12.  More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 23, 2007.- Olympic champion Brazil defeated Canada 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-17) in Pool A of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

The three-time Pan American monarchs did not have any difficulties to get their first victory with Dante Amaral as their best scorer with 12 points and Rodrigo Santana adding 10. Dan Lewis and Bret Youngberg each had 9 apiece for Canada. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 23, 2007.- USA swept Venezuela 25-19, 25-22, 25-20 in Pool B of the men's volleyball segment of the Pan American Games held at Maracanãzinho Gymnasium.

"This match was a good, collective effort as we got some young guys out there who contributed well," Larsen said. "I am excited how we played. Now we have Argentina and Puerto Rico, and we will see how the young players focus."

Sean Rooney topped four U.S. scorers in double figures with 14 points, Brook Billings totalled 12 points,  More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 23, 2007.- Cuba opened with a comfortable victory over Mexico in straight sets 25-20, 25-18, 25-20 dominating with a strong blocking that practically stopped the Mexican offense.

The Cuban squad blanked Mexico 18-0 in the blocking category led by the threesome of Roberlandy Simon, Michael Sanchez and Pedro Iznaga.

“We established our game of attack and defense over the net, and that was the key for the victory,” said Orlando Samuel, the Cuban coach. “This is a tough tournament, and you have to go out to play hard every day, it’s not going to be easy.” More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 23, 2007.- Puerto Rico recovered from a first set loaded with defensive mistakes to defeat Argentina 3-1 in the opening match of the Men’s Volleyball Tournament of the Pan American Games at the Maracanazhino Arena.

Puerto Rican captain Hector -Piky- Soto scored 21 points to lead the winners in the 22-25, 26-24, 25-21 y 25-22 triumph in Pool B, which consists also of Venezuela and USA. More Spanish P-2 form

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 22, 2007.- The Brazilian duo of Ricardo Santos and Emanuel Rego added today the only missing gem in their huge collection of medals and trophies: The Pan American Gold.

Ricardo & Emanuel defeated Americans Ty Loomis & Hans Stolfus 21-19, 21-13 in the final match of the Men’s Beach Volleyball Tournament of the Pan American Games Rio 2007 played on Sunday before a packed arena in the famous Copacabana Beach.

The Athens Olympic champions now have been crowned four times as monarchs of the FIVB World-Tour in 2003-06 and three times as champions of the Brazilian circuit. More Spanish

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 21, 2007 – It was a glorious day at Copacabana Beach, in particular for host nation Brazil.   

The feature match of the day saw the gold medal match between Brazil’s team of Juliana Silva & Larissa Franca and Cuba’s Dalixia Fernandez & Tamarra Larrea.   While the Cubans put up a good fight, Brazil did not disappoint the crowd, and defeated the Cubans in straight sets with scores of 21-15, 21-17. 

“We had butterflies in our stomachs at the beginning of the match, but then we could focus and went back to be the real Larissa and Juliana,” said Larissa.  More Spanish

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 20, 2007 – Cubans Dalixia Fernandez and Tamara Larrea advanced to the semi finals of women’s beach volleyball relying on their strong net play against Maxwell/Lessard of Canada winning 21-13, 21-16.

In the other semi-final, Brazilians Larissa/Juliana advanced by defeating the Mexican team of Candelas/Garcia 21-12, 21-13 in front of an enthusiastic Brazilian crowd.

  More Spanish

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 19, 2007 – Canada, Cuba, Mexico and Brazil were successful in their quarter-final matches today and advance to the semi-finals in women’s beach volleyball.

Lessard/Maxwell from Canada defeated Mena/Hernandez from Uruguay in the first quarter-final match of the day with scores of 21-11 and 21-10.  The Canadian pair was pleased with the support of the fans. “With many fans cheering us, we felt confident,” commented Sarah Maxwell following the win, “We knew how the other duo plays and we knew that we were going to run a lot on the court.  Our defense was required many times, but it was worth the effort now that we are qualified for the semi-finals.” More Spanish

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, July 19, 2007.- Cuban Nancy Carrillo was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Women’s Volleyball Tournament of the Pan Americans Games Rio 2007.

Carrillo was one of the two Cubans who made the All-Star of the eight-team competition won by Cuba by defeating Brazil in five sets in the match for the gold medal. Daimi Ramirez, as the best spiker, was the other member of the champions elected to the ideal squad.

Dominican Bethania de la Cruz was the best scorer and she was joined by teammates Cindy Rondon and Carmen Rosa Caso as best blocker and libero respectively. More