Panama wants to be in CA and Caribbean Games

Panama, December 23,2004,-The Panamanian Volleyball Federation wants its men’s team to take part in the Central American and Caribbean Games to be staged in Guatemala at the end of next year. Jose Remon, President of the Federation and also coach of the team, said his team earned the right to be included in the Panama’s delegation with their unbeaten triumph in the last Central American Cup in Honduras. “I think we must go because we are the champions since 2002,” said Remon. “As it is always, the Olympic Committee has problems with team sports due to financial reasons, but we have earned that right.” Remon also set another goal for his team and that is to qualify for the 2006 World Championship. They are in an eliminatory group with Canada and Cuba and two more teams from the Caribbean to be decided. Since their arrival to Panama, the team has visited with Mr. Juan Carlos Navarro, Major of Panama City, Mr. Ramon Cardoze, director of Sports National Institute, and La Estrella de Panama is reporting that a meeting with President of Panama Mr. Martin Torrijos also took place. Spanish

It was a matter of repetition for Panama

Panama, December 22,2004,-It was a matter of repetition for Panama during the XIII Men’s Volleyball Central American Cup in Honduras. Not only the country won the crown for second edition in a row but its star player Jose Cunningham validated his title as the Most Valuable Player of the regional competition. Cunningham led three Panamanian players in the All-Star Team as he was joined by libero Victor Herazo and blocker Donaldo Urena. Honduras, runner-up in the event, had two players in the ideal team with receiver Mario Palma and attacker Luis Salgado. Costa Rican Jeffry Calderon was the best server and Nicaraguan Lenin Ruiz the best setter. Cunningham is a 23 years-old player with excellent overall qualities. He started playing volleyball eight years ago and was instrumental in the sixth crown obtained by Panama in the history of the tournament. More Spanish

Panamanians will present President Torrijos with the trophy

PANAMA CITY. December 21,2004,- The Panamanian Men’s Volleyball National Team will present to the President of their country, Mr. Martin Torrijos, the champions’ trophy they obtained in the XIII Central American Cup disputed last week in Honduras. Javier Ortega, chief of the Panamanian delegation who last night arrived to Panama City, said they hope to meet with President Torrijos on this week “to present him the cup.”“We come back really proud with this cup that we dedicate to all the people of Panama,” said Ortega. The Panamanian Selection was received at the airport by a group of sports authorities led by Anibal Reluz, technical director of the Sports National Institute.Panama defeated Honduras 3-0 in a match between unbeaten teams to win its sixth crown in the history of the regional competition. More Spanish

Panama repeats as Central American Men’s champions

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 20,2004,- Panama successfully defended its crown as regional champions defeating Honduras with a categorical 3-0 triumph in the final contest between unbeaten teams of the XIII Central American Men’s Volleyball Cup. It is the sixth title for the Panamanians in the history of the event. They came to Honduras considered as top favorites to repeat and confirmed their superiority. Costa Rica has won four crowns, Honduras two and El Salvador one. Led by Jose cunningham, a solid player of 23 years-old and under the guidance of veteran coach Jose Remon, Panama made the difference with taller players, excellent blocking and a more strength in the attack. Remon, who at 71 is the dean of the coaches in the event, said they entered the tournament knowing Costa Rica and Honduras would be the toughest opponents. More Spanish

Panama looking to revalidate the title 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 18, 2004,- Panama took another step toward revalidating their regional title with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica in the sixth day of action of the XIII Men’s Volleyball Central American Cup. The Panamanians dominated the first two sets by score of 25-14, 25-11 but Costa Rica improved the rest of the way winning the third set 25-20 before losing the match 27-25. Domingo Avila and Jose Cunningham led the attack of Panama with solid spikes and their coach Jose Remon was very satisfied with the way his side performed. “We beat a good team with high technique,” said Remon. “We won because we played a fastest game than Costa Rica. Now we are prepared for Honduras and to keep the title.”  Winners of five previous regional tournaments, the Panamanians arrive to the last match of the competition with similar unbeaten record (5-0) as host Honduras. More Spanish

Honduras still unbeaten after five outings 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 17, 2004,- Honduras cleared a major hurdle when defeated Costa Rica 3-1 for its fifth victory in the XIII Men’s Central American Volleyball Cup this Thursday. The Hondurans had to battle very hard to beat Costa Rica 25-21, 21-25, 26-24, 25-23 and now need to beat Panama on Saturday for the gold medal. It was the first loss for Costa Rica, considered as one of the favorites to win the competition between seven countries of the region. The match was played before a capacity crowd in the Gymnasium of the Tegucigalpa Olympic Village. Around two thousands spectators enjoyed the triumph under an atmosphere never experienced in the past. Honduras won the first set with a solid all-around game but the Costa Ricans came back strong in the second and took advantage of several service errors of the host team. More Spanish

Honduras and Panama won again 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 16, 2004,- Honduras defeated Guatemala in straight sets and is still unbeaten after four outings in the XIII Men’s Central American Cup. The host Hondurans enjoyed their best match in the competition and came out winners over the Guatemalans by score of 25-20, 25-23, 27-25.In the other action on Wednesday, Panama won for third consecutive day this time 3-2 over El Salvador and Nicaragua scored its first victory edging Belize also in five sets. Luis Salgado, who plays in Spain, was once again the star of the host Honduras. He and Felix Sabio were the leading scorers for the winning team. “It was a tough match because Guatemala is a very dynamic and fast team,” said Salgado. “This success is the result of a great team effort.”  More Spanish Pic: Honduras showed strong kills

Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama keep the winning streak 

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 15,2004,- A third consecutive night of celebration for the host team.  The Central American Volleyball has been phenomenal for Honduras who last night enjoyed another victory this time off El Salvador. Backed by a partisan crowd that played drums and horns, the local boys were impressive as they maintained its unbeaten record in three outings. This time they did not have to go five sets to reach the triumph and won by score of 3-1 (25-18, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21). In other matches of the third day of action, Costa Rica beat Guatemala 3-0 and Panama defeated Belize 3-1. The start of the match could not be better for the Hondurans who took an early lead at 10-5 with solid kills and excellent blocking. The crowd enjoyed when Marcial Diaz gave a lesson of spikes with powerful strength.  More Spanish Pic: Honduras defeated El Salvador before a capacity crowd

Costa Rica and Honduras jump to 2-0 records

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 14,2004,- Costa Rica recorded its second victory in a row during the XIII Men’s Central American Cup while defeating El Salvador 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-22).In the other matches of the second day, Honduras kept its unbeaten record with a 3-2 triumph over Belize and Panama debuted with a 3-1 success against Nicaragua. Despite the Costa Rican superiority, the Salvadorans pressed for moments but could not overcome their rivals and favorites to dispute the gold medal of the event. “The game was not easy,” said Juan Acuna, head coach of the Costa Rica team. “But our team looked better than on Sunday, more confident and more solid. We are in the right path.”Acuna said that with these two victories his players have the chance to get into the competition rhythm. More Spanish Pic: The crowds have supported the host Honduras

Honduras edged Nicaragua in a five-sets

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 13, 2004,- The Men’s Central American Tournament started on Sunday and could not be better for the Honduran host team. The locals defeated Nicaragua 3-2 and now are ready to take on Belize who lost to Costa Rica in their first match. The Central American is in terrific shape and the Gymnasium 2 of the Olympic Village was lights on with the volley. It was a big party and the fans enjoyed a great show. Honduras showed a great dose of character and won its game. The players elected to open the show were Felix Sabio, Luis Salgado, Conrado Fiallo, Jose Martínez, Alejandro Jeffs and Mario Palma along with libero Marcial Avila and the rest of the team. More Spanish

Costa Rica and Panama are favorites in Men’s Central American Cup    

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras. December 11,2004,- Costa Rica go to the XIII Men’s Central American Cup looking to add to the title they took in the women’s regional tournament last month in Nicaragua when they finished with an unbeaten record. But the pretensions of the Costa Ricans, coached by Juan Acuna, have a major obstacle in the form of the Panama team who come here to defend the crown. These are the two more experienced teams in the seven-team competition that secure to the winner a ticket for the next Central American and Caribbean Games. Panama won the last edition of the Cup and went to participate in the Norceca Men’s Continental Tournament in Culiacan, Mexico where they finished in the sixth position defeating Guatemala. More Spanish Pic: Costa Ricans celebrates

Costa Rica is the regional queen of volleyball

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 29, 2004,- Costa Rica successfully defended the crown as volleyball zonal queen with a triumph in straight sets over Guatemala in the final match of the XIII Women’s Central America Cup. MVP Verania Willis led the Costa Ricans in the victory 25-23, 25-16, 25-23 for their tenth title –seven in a row- in the history of the event. In the match for the bronze medal, Nicaragua defeated Honduras 25-12, 23-25, 25-16, 25-18. It is the second MVP for Willis, who also earned the distinction in the 2002 edition also in Nicaragua and in the same court –Polideportivo Espana. “She was outstanding,” said the coach Braulio Godinez about Willis, one of two siblings in the team. “Verania has improved a lot since playing in the United States.”  More Spanish Pic: Costa Ricans celebrates after match point.

Guatemala came out as the big winner of the Cup

MANAGUA, Nicaragua.- Costa Rica November 29, 2004,-, as expected, won the gold medal in the XIII Central America Cup but the big winner of the event has to be Guatemala, who came to the competition without great pretensions. However, at the end of the five-country competition, the “Chapinas” came out with the silver medal and a historic triumph over Nicaragua in the latter’s soil.“Beating Nicaragua in their own country was very tough,” admitted David Aldana, the head coach of the Guatemalans. “In the senior level it is the very first time we accomplish that goal playing here.” With a younger and smaller team than the Nicaraguans, they achieved the victory in five sets. “The truth said, is that I am very satisfied with the job done by our girls in the whole tournament,” Saldana added. “I really think that with better support from our sports authorities and more exposure we even can aim for the Central America supremacy.” More Spanish

Costa Rica edged Nicaragua in three sets

MANAGUA, Nicaragua.November 27,2004- Just like two years ago and in the same stage, Costa Rica managed to handle Nicaragua a lesson in women volleyball before 2,000 spectators at Polideportivo Espana in the final day of preliminary round of the XIII Women’s Central America Cup. Last night the Costa Ricans prevailed in three sets over the Nicaraguans (25-23, 25-23, 25-22) securing a berth against Guatemala in the final match and sending the host team to the dispute of the bronze with Honduras The surprising loss against Guatemala in the preliminary round left the “Nicas” with the rope around the neck with the obligation to beat their south neighbors in three or four sets. More Spanish Pic: Nicaraguan Heidy Rostran against Costa Rica's wall.

Costa Rica advance to the gold medal match in Central America Cup

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 26,2004- Costa Rica moved to the final match of the XIII Women’s Central America Cup with a 3-1 victory over Guatemala. It was the third consecutive triumph without losses for the Costa Ricans who are looking for their tenth crown in the history of the event. Guatemala fell to a 2-1 record. The score was 25-21, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21. The tandem of attacker Verania Willis and setter Dionisia Thompson was the key for the victory that confirmed Costa Rica as favorite to retain the crown. In their first two matches, the Costa Ricans scored 3-0 victories over Honduras and El Salvador with the attack and defense of sisters Angela and Verania Willis. On Thursday they lost the second set when committed several errors and seemed out of control, but after that brief lapse they regained composure and established their superiority. More Spanish Pic: Verania Willis (crc)

Guatemala and Costa Rica with unbeaten records

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 25,2004,- Guatemala and Costa Rica kept their unbeaten record in the XIII Women´s Central America Cup while defeating Honduras and El Salvador respectively in the third round of action of the competition. Guatemala defeated Honduras 3-1 and Costa Rica had no problems to beat El Salvador in straight sets. These unbeaten squads face each other tonight with the winner automatically advancing to the final. The two teams with the best record in the five-country competition will play for the gold medal. Guatemala took easily the first set 25-13 but Honduras reacted vigorously to win the second 25-20 with the attacks of Catarine Leiva and Claudia Evir plus good defense at the net by Michele Delgado and Indira Inestrosa. More Spanish

Guatemala score a major upset over Nicaragua

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 24,2004, - Guatemala scored a major upset in the second day of the XIII Women’s Central American Cup while defeating host Nicaragua in a five-set thriller. The short Guatemalans relied in good all-around defence to get the triumph before a big crowd that was rooting for the local girls. The score was 25-18, 20-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12.In the other match of the evening Honduras defeated El Salvador in a match of two classic rivals in the region. The Hondurans won by score of 25-15, 25-22, 25-17. After two days of the competition, the standing is: Costa Rica (1-0), Guatemala (1-0), Nicaragua (1-1), Honduras (1-1) and El Salvador (0-2). Spanish

Costa Rica and Nicaragua started winning in the Central American Cup 

MANAGUA, Nicaragua. November 23, 2004,- The XIII Central America Women Cup started on Tuesday with two matches and the opening ceremony attended by the top political and sports authorities of Nicaragua. Costa Rica, winner of nine of the past twelve editions began the defense of the crown defeating Honduras in straight sets with scores of 25-21, 25-11 and 25-15. The Costa Ricans confirmed their condition as heavy favorites to repeat as champions. In the second match of the day, Nicaragua beat El Salvador also in straight sets showing they are strong prepared to dispute the gold medal now in their own soil. The score was 25-10, 25-21, 25-15. Spanish

Five teams look for supremacy in Central America 

MANAGUA, Nicaragua, November 18,2004,- The thirteenth edition of the Women’s Central America Tournament start on November 22 in Managua, Nicaragua with the participation of five teams from the region looking for the title and a berth for the 2005 NORCECA’s Championship in Trinidad & Tobago. Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua are the participating sides and the event will serve as a teams’ thermometer for the qualification rounds for the 2006 World Championships in Japan. These rounds will take place in April-July of next year to define one or two representatives of the zone in the top world competition of FIVB. Each national federation has made great efforts and preparations for such important compromises, and has reunited veteran players of past national teams with the new generation. With that scenario we can foresee six days of close battles looking for the triumph. More Spanish

Russia blast past USA to claim bronze

ATHENS, Greece, August 29, 2004.- World number six Russia earned its ninth Men’s Olympic Volleyball medal in 10 trips to the Summer Games here Sunday by defeating the United States in three devastating sets for the bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Games. The score was 25-22, 27-25, 25-16. The United States was playing for its first medal since taking the bronze in the 1992 Barcelona Games as both teams entered the Olympic third-place match after losing semi-finals contests to Brazil and Italy. It was an impressive display from the Europeans as they blocked USA off the court, who looked to be lacking rhythm and cohesion, but fell short of their silver medal winning performance in Sydney four years ago. More Spanish

China dethrone Cuba and advance to the final  

ATHENS, Greece, August 27, 2004.-  After 12 years of dominance at the Olympic Games, it is time for a new queen to rise for women’s volleyball.  Cuba was  forced to abandon their throne and the dreams for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal after today’s defeat to world’s no. 1 China by 3-2 sets (25-22, 25-20, 17-25, 23-25, 15-10). The new queen will be crowned at the final match on Saturday. Once again China and Cuba lived up to the hype in a great semifinal, which took place at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Unfortunately, only one team was supposed to win and qualify to the final and at the end China was the more capable and lucky one to do so. More Spanish

United States crushed Cuba and moved to next round 

ATHENS, Greece 22 August, 2004.- The United States skip past Cuba in straight sets 3-0 (25-22, 25-12, 25-19), at the Peace and Friendship Stadium to win a spot at the quarterfinals of the Womens Olympic Volleyball Tournament. The win was the only result that could offer the States a birth at the next stage, as they had higher ratio compared to Germany’s.The United States appeared more determined right from the first set. Guided by the incredible performance of Logan Tom, the United States took charge of the set and sailed to a 25-22 victory. Things proved to be even easier in the second set for the US team. They took the early lead thanks to efficient spiking by TOM and Heather BOWN and the final 25-12 came as no surprise.  More Spanish

USA Women in Must-Win Situation after Loss to Russia

ATHENS, Greece, August 20, 2004 – Following another disappointing five-set loss to Russia on Friday night, the USA women’s Olympic volleyball team finds itself facing the ultimate challenge come Sunday: it must defeat three-time defending Olympic gold medalist Cuba to advance out of pool play. Ekaterina Gamova scored a match-high 28 points and Lioubov Shashkova added 23 points as Russia rebounded from a 2-1 deficit after three sets to post a 3-2 victory over the United States at Peace and Friendship Stadium. Gamova had 22 kills, four blocks and two service aces in the 20-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 15-11 win that improved Russia’s record in Pool B to 3-1. It will play for first place in the pool on Sunday against China (3-1). Tayyiba Haneef scored 25 points and Logan Tom added 24 points for Team USA, which dropped to 1-3 in Pool B. It will do whatever it can beat Cuba (3-1), salvage fourth place in the pool and keep its medal dreams alive. More Spanish

Cuba secure second quarterfinal spot

ATHENS, Greece, August 20, 2004.- Defending champions Cuba hit top gear as they ran past the Dominican Republic in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 25-23) to claim the second quarterfinal berth. Having lost their opening match to Germany, Cuba needed to beat their Norceca neighbors to join China as the first two quarterfinalists from Pool B. The top four in each pool qualify for the next phase.With that in mind, Cuba took charge of the game right from the opening whistle. Captain Yumilka Ruiz, Zoila Barros and Yaima Ortiz were in excellent form as Cuba had to hold off a brave opening stanza from the Dominican Republic. Their lethal attacking combination proved to the difference as the Cubans sneaked the first set by two points. More Spanish

Russian Block Too Much for USA Men

ATHENS, Greece August 19, 2004 – The USA men’s Olympic volleyball team ran into a Russian road block Thursday night. Russia used its considerable advantage in size to thwart multiple American attacks and the result was a 3-1 victory at Peace and Friendship Stadium in the final match of the day. Stanislav Dineykin scored a match-high 25 points on 20 kills, three blocks and two service aces as the Russians posted a 22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-23 victory to improve to 2-1 in Pool B in the tournament.Alexey Kuleshov was the biggest barrier for Russia as he added 18 points on a match-high nine blocks and nine kills. In fact, Kuleshov outblocked the entire USA team, 9-8. Overall, Russia registered 19 blocks on the night.

More Spanish

Dominicans upset Americans, hurt U.S. medal hopes

ATHENS, Greece, August 18, 2004 -- Placed in a difficult pool, the United States appeared to have one easy foe on the preliminary schedule. Try telling that to the Dominican Republic. Milagros Cabral de la Cruz had the match-winning kill in the fifth set Wednesday and the Dominicans upset the Americans, 26-24, 22-25, 27-25, 23-25, 19-17. The U.S. dropped to 1-2 and must face sixth-ranked Russia on Friday and fifth-ranked Cuba on Sunday to close out the first round of the Olympic tournament. The top four in the six-team pool advance to the quarterfinals. Cabral had 21 points while Yudelkis Bautista added 20. Kenia Moreta had 19 and Annerys Vargas 11 for the Dominicans. ``We are all very happy,'' Dominican libero Evelyn Carrera said through a translator. ``We played very aggressively, and we showed the people a wonderful match. We fought each point. We had faith 'til the end. We do not feel inferior toward any other teams.''  More Spanish

Cuba and USA tied with 1-1 record 

ATHENS, Greece, August 16, 2004 – Sydney Olympic champions Cuba repeated their gold medal winning performance against Russia with a stirring 3-2 (26-24, 19-25, 25-27, 25-19, 15-13) victory on day two of the women’s Volleyball competition at the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Monday. In what was a superb encounter of exhilarating quick play matched with dynamism and athleticism Cuba eventually claimed the victory to open their account in Pool B after suffering a shock loss to Germany on the opening day in five