DESPITE THE LOSS, MEXICO GAINED RESPECT FROM BRAZIL

Alejandra Isiordia's arm shows the National Team
code in a match in Turkey.

ANKARA, Turkey.— Mexico was close to give a surprise at Girls Youth World Championship after a second set in which dominated Brazil but in the end the Brazilians won 3-1 (25-13, 23-25, 25-14, 25-22).

Rosamaría Montibeller tallied 16 points for Brazil, while Gabriela Guimaraes 15, Valquiria Dulius 12, and Paula Mohr 11. For Mexico, Samantha Bricio recorded 11 points in this match of Pool B.

“We won, but Mexico made us work hard. They broke our reception and defense”, said Brazilian head coach, Thomas Mauricio about the match played at Ankara Sports Hall. 

“I am glad but not satisfied at all, anyway my team had a great attitude and played much better”, stated Victor García about Mexico.

The United States struggled against Serbia, that won 3-0 (25-21, 25-13, 26-24) this Pool C match with an effective work by Bianka Busa and Natasa Cikiriz, who tallied 15 points for Serbia. Americans Mallory McCage and Amber Rolfzen, ended with 9 apiece.

"Serbia played consistently but we played inconsistently, we made a lot of mistakes”, said coach James Stone about the American Team.

In the other match of  Pool C, Puerto Rico lost against China 0-3. The chinese team scored 25-22, 25-28, 25-11 to secure the victory. Ningya Tiang finished with 12 points for China, while Daly Santana scored 10 for Puerto Rico whose coach, Eric Gonzalez, stated: “We played with passion but it isn't enough to win games”.

ONE POINT AT A TIME: A SIMPLE LESSON TO BE A GREAT TEAM

Mexico prepares to face Brazil on its second
match at Ankara Sports Hall.

ANKARA, Turkey.- Losing is always a hard situation. Nobody likes it. 

After watching Mexico vs Argentina, more than one person was sure Mexico could do it better. Argentinians and Mexicans had faced each other three times before. 

They know each other pretty well, but in the end the girls from South America "broke that tension", like cuban coach Victor Garcia -who is in charge of Mexican team-, said.

In the end there is no regret. When you are in a short competition like a world championship, you have to work one moment at a time, correct your mistakes and play harder.

"Playing is the best way of dealing with it and the know how to do it. At this age there are some worries, but those girls have nothing to be afraid of, you are in a formative stage in your career", said a head coach one time. "If you enjoy it, there are no fears".

That is what great teams always have to do. There is always a second chance and sometimes that second chance it is not an easy one, but you have to take it or leave it.

"We cannot know how good we are until we face the best ones in the world", said Puerto Rican coach Eric Gonzalez, who also lost his first match against the USA, a team that won 3-0.

Mexican Fans support the "TRICOLOR GIRLS" in Turkey.

It was difficult for the Norceca and Pan-American area, because two South American teams are in the same pool, like Brazil and Argentina. At the same time, Mexico shares that situation on the same Pool B. 

Meanwhile, two Norceca teams are in the same situation. USA and Puerto Rico are part of Pool C. 

But maybe that is a signal of a major competition and level for a zone, after watching some other pools and disciplines like soccer, when a lot of European rivals and even neighbors share the chances to fight for a berth.

On its second match, against Brazil, Mexico struggled at the beginning and converted just one point, after the Brazilians scored 8.

Mexican attack had many spike plays that went too long, but the attitude was a little bit different than the time they faced Argentina. There were faults in the service and in the reception. Brazil had also a high blocking advantage.

Mexico's cuban born coach, Victor García, a former
Olympian Player.

Mexico had a positive rally and reached eight points even though Brazil was leading by more than 12. That gave them some confidence after Samantha Bricio converted a couple of attacks, and Ana Nieto successfully blocked Gabriela.

Brazil had a fault, and that gave Mexicans the chance to figure with 10 points. The first set finished 25-13 for the Brazilians. Any way, Mexico attempted to play with a fast ball with Isiordia and that made the girls to recover confidence and tie 6-6 in one of the closest moments of the match.

"The most important thing was to fight point by point", stated coach Victor Garcia, whose team was for the first time up in the score on the second set, 13-12, after starting 1-4, and even had a 20-18 advantage after an effective service.


There were just some technical mismatches on both sides of the net. Brazil incorporated Naiane and tied the match 22-22 and that forced Mexico to improve the pass, but the referee's controversy took part.

Ana Nieto tries to block Brazil's
Raquel.

Anyway the score was 23-23, and Mexico converted needing, only one point to win its first set of the competition against the best ranked team. The "tricolor" girls did it and tied the match after a 25-23 score. 


The history on the third one was difficult for the Mexicans, but they showed and attitude greater than in the match against Argentina and despite some mistakes, they played with more order.


In front of the net, Ana Nieto played one of her best matches with the National Team, even tough she failed in a few receptions and one block in the fourth set that was so close, and almost as tough as the second one.


Valquiria the Brazilian central as well as Gabriela Guimaraes played with a very strong attack that put them in a 17-12 advantage.


Mexico did not quit in an effort to keep attacking and seeking points. However, the Brazilian experience was imposed, but the respect by the Mexican youngsters was gained after all.

NORCECA TEAMS START WITH A 1-2 RECORD AT FIVB GIRLS YOUTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Mexico lost to Argentina, while USA defeated
Puerto Rico.

ANKARA, Turkey, August 12, 2011.- Norceca teams started with two losses and one victory on the beginning of the FIVB Girls Youth Championship.

The United States and Puerto Rico faced each other in Pool C. The victory was for the American Team 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-14) at Baskent Salonu. Kadie Rolfzen finished with 12 points for the USA, while Daly Santana, ended with 11 for Puerto Rico.

At the Ankara Sports Hall, Mexico lost against Argentina in straight sets (25-21, 25-19, 25-22) even tough Mexican Alejandra Isiordia topped with 19 points and Sol Piccolo scored 13 for  Argentina.

“We started very nervous it was not a good match, and we did not know how to recover, we tried to do more points, but time ran out for us”, said mexican captain Alicia Castro.

“There was a lot of tension between our teams, and the one who could break with that was the one who could win, and Argentina did it”, stated Mexico´s coach Victor Garcia. Argentina will meet Slovakia, while Mexico will match Brazil this saturday.

MEXICO FINISHED TRAINING CAMP IN BULGARIA

Mexico has started its competition in Turkey
with a 0-1 record. After losing against Argentina, the
team will face Brazil.

SOFIA, Bulgaria.— Mexican Girls’ U18 National Team closed a one week training camp by playing a couple of matches against the Bulgarian U20 Team in Sofia.

On the first match of the series the local team won 3-2 (26-24, 25-19, 15-25, 21-25 y 12-15). Mexico had a 2-0 advantage but the team coached by Stoyan Gunchev, got the victory.

This match was played at Levsky-Siconco Gym, where the Boys, Girls, Men and Women’s from Bulgaria commonly hold their practice sessions.

Mexico claimed the triumph until the second of the series by winning 3-1 (20-25, 26-14, 25-23, 25-15). 

This match was played at the recently opened state-of-the-art Armeec Arena, where just a few days ago the Serbian and Bulgarian Senior Men’s teams disputed a friendship match as part of the inaugural ceremony of the new sport venue located in Eastern Europe.

Prior to the series Bulgaria had just returned from the Balkan Volleyball Association Junior Women Championship, while Mexico played the Girls’ U-18 Pan American Cup, as well as the High Performance Championships in the United States as part of its preparation for the FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship in Turkey.

USA AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGISTER VICTORIES AT U20 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Dominican Republic Marianne Fersola poses  with
the World Championship's Mascot.

LIMA, Peru, July 22, 2011 – Dominican Republic and USA started off with victories at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Junior World Championship on Friday. Cuba lost to Serbia.

In Pool D, Dominican Republic won the first match in Lima as the runners-up of the most recent edition defeated Japan 25-14, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22 in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Dominican Republic’s Marianne Fersola was the match top scorer with 19 points while Elizabeth Martinez added 18 points.

Saori Kaneko led Japan’s scoring with 15 points as four different players reached double-figure scoring. Dominican Republic collected a 14-5 margin in blocks to offset Japan’s slim 5-4 edge in service aces.

In a rematch of the finals of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the United States faced Belgium. This time, the United States came out on top winning in straight sets (25-21, 25-18, 25-16).

United States’ Haley Eckerman scored eight of her team-high 15 points in the third set.

Belgium’s Lise Van Hecke totaled a match-high 18 points as the only consistent scoring threat for her team. The Americans held a 13-5 block advantage and converted 43 percent of their spikes for points.

Serbia closed with a 3-1 victory over Cuba (25-22, 23-25, 25-17, 25-10) and took the 3 point that was played.

Serbia's Ivana Lukovic was the top scorer for her team with 18 points, joined by Jovana Stevanovic, Ana Bjelica and Maja Savic who all scored 12 points.

The Cuban attacker Sulian Matienzo topped all the scorers with 21 points, while the captain Yunieska Robles scored 16 points.

DOMINICAN GIRLS SWEEP BELGIUM IN SANTO DOMINGO

The Dominican team won 4-0 against the Belgians, prior
to their departure to Peru.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 20, 2011 – Dominican Republic swept Belgium 4-0 in a friendly series held in Santo Domingo ahead of the FIVB Women’s Junior World Championship in Peru on July 22-31. Both teams departed on Wednesday.

The threesome of Brayelin Martinez, Yonkaira Peña and Ana Binet standed out for the Dominican side while Lise Van Hecke and Lotte Penders were the best Belgium scorers during the series played at the Volleyball Complex of Santo Domingo.

The home team won the first contest 3-0 (26-24, 25-17, 25-22) with Peña and Martinez leading the winners with 17 and 13 points respectively. Van Hecke registered 16 points for the Belgians.

The second match finished 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-18) with Martinez as the best scorer with 16 points. Binet, Marianne Fersola and Candida Arias each recorded 10 points. Van Hecke and Penders finished with 11 and 10 respectively.

The Dominicans won the third match 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 26-24) where Van Hecke topped all the scorers with 14 points.

The last match, played on Tuesday, the final score was 3-1 (25-21, 24-26, 25-10, 25-23). Arias and Martinez registered 15 points apiece while Peña and Binet recorded 14 and 13 respectively. Van Hecke closed with 12.

PUERTO RICAN ACOSTA WAS ELECTED MVP OF BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Brazil contributed with four players to the All Star Team. MEXICALI, Mexico, July 16, 2011 –  Carlos Acosta  of silver medalists Puerto Rico  was elected  as the Most Valuable Player of the  inaugural U-19 Boys’  Pan American Cup  won by Brazil on Saturday night  at the State Auditorium  of Mexicali. Another Puerto Rican awarded  during the closing ceremony was  Luis Bertran as best digger  and best libero. The crowned champions Brazil  had four players receiving individual  awards as Joao Ferreira and  Alan Souza finished as best spiker  and best blocker respectively. Thiago Veloso concluded as best setter and Rogerio Carvalho  received the trophy as best receiver. Brandon Legall of Trinidad and Tobago was the competition’s  best scorer and best server. The awards were presented by NORCECA’s authorities  and by members of the tournament’s Organizing Committee.

BRAZIL CONQUERED THE FIRST BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

The amazonian team won the gold medal.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 16 2011.— Brazil became the first champion of the Boys’ U19 Pan Am Cup after defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-15, 25-11, 25-16).

Joao Ferreira scored 13, Flavio Gualberto and Henrique Batagim 9 for the Brazilian team. Carlos Acosta, scored 5 for Puerto Rico.

“Today we did not show the big wish of winning on the court, my teammates gave their best, but it was not enough”, said Acosta. “I want to congratulate Puerto Rico. This was a good match for us, because we set a strategy set by set and we hope to have a good preparation for the world championship”, stated Thiago Veloso, Brazilian captain.

Puerto Rico’s coach, Ramon Lawrence remarked that their rivals had a good tactical plan, but after this result, they are focused in working for the World Championship after the learning experience at this tournament.

“Our strategy helped us to win and succeed. The boys played with their heart and hard work”, said Percy Oncken, about the Brazilian victory, from which they will make the most on the road to the World Championship in Argentina.

USA WINS BRONZE MEDAL AGAINST MEXICO

The American team finished third at I Boys' U19
Pan American Cup.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 16 2011.— The United States Volleyball team won the bronze medal of at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup after winning 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-21) against Mexico.

Cody Caldwell scored 14, while Scott Rhein and Aaron Russell tallied 10 apiece for USA. Mexico’s top scorer was Marco Antonio Rodriguez with 7 points, while Sergio Perez recorded 6. “We knew this was going to be a very hard match after a long one against Puerto Rico. We tried to regain the motivation by starting over, but faced a very strong American team”, stated Jonathan Ponce about the host team.

“I am proud of my teammates. We also had a very long and tough previous match against Brazil. Mexico played unbelievably but we went together as a team”, said USA captain Matthew West.

“I think we lost since yesterday’s match (against Puerto Rico). If I can explain about it, the boys were not motivated. We tried to upraise their enthusiasm, but they were lack of it”, mentioned Oscar Licea about Mexican Team.

For American coach Ken Shibuya facing Mexico for the second time was a challenge. “It is a fantastic team and his coach is bright, it is bad to not see them in Argentina. I want to thank the Mexican Federation for the chance of playing here. This was a first class event”, Shibuya stated.

After this competition, USA will continue its preparation for the World Championship in Argentina, while Mexican coach Licea will work with the U17 unit focusing on the 2013 Youth World Championship.

PUERTO RICO DEFEAT MEXICO, WILL FACE BRAZIL IN FINALS

Puerto Ricans advanced to the finals after
defeating Mexico.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 15 2011.— Francisco Velez scored 25 and Puerto Rico defeated the host Mexico 3-2 (17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13) to face Brazil at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup for the gold medal.

Along with Velez, Carlos Acosta and Edgardo Cartagena scored 17 and 15.Mexico’s Sergio Perez finished with 17, Marco Rodriguez 15, Roberto Rincon 14, and Cristian Limon 12. “Playing this match was a great motivation for us. They knew how to set on the court and the match went out of our hands”, said Mexican captain Jonathan Ponce.

“We knew about the quality of our rivals, that’s the way it is, and congratulations to Puerto Rico”, stated Mexico’s coach Oscar Licea. “It was a very tough match, full of emotions, and we knew how to solve it, it was the best match I have ever played, but we still need to make some progress”, said Puerto Rican Carlos Acosta.

“The boys did not fell down, they kept playing and tomorrow we will have a very difficult match against Brazil, and must play with no conformism”, remarked coach Ramon Lawrence.

Mexico will play for the bronze medal, against USA.

BRAZIL REACHES THE FINALS AT BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Allan Souza tallied 17 points.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 15 2011.— Brazil reached the finals at the Boys’ U19 Pan Am Cup after defeating the United States 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-21).

Alan Souza tallied 17 points, while Joao Ferreira 13 and Henrique Battagim 10. For USA Matthew Tarantino scored 14. “I really liked the attitude showed by the team and at the same time I want to congratulate USA”, said Brazilian captain Thiago Veloso.

“I talked to our coach about the rallies we lost and we won in this match and the match against Mexico. Brazil did a great job with his captain, his setter, this was a big experience for us to learn”, stated American captain Matthew West.

“We faced a good team, very talented and experienced, and hope to recreate what they showed but on our side. We played well but there were some mistakes that cost to lose the last two sets”, said Ken Shibuya about USA and the Brazilian performance.

“We planned a strategy and it worked for us, but we still have a lot to improve in blocking and defending situations”, said Percy Oncken about Brazil that will play the final match for the gold this Saturday night.

COSTA RICA FINISH IN FIFTH PLACE

Costa Rica defeated Trinidad & Tobago in the match
for fifth place.

Mexicali, Mexico, July 15 2011.— Costa Rica finished in the fifth place after a 3-2 victory over Trinidad & Tobago (13-25, 25-20, 13-25, 25-21, 15-12) at the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup.

Brandon Legall was the top scorer of this match, after finishing with 25 points for Trinidad & Tobago, while Kevin James finished with 13. Meyson Jafet García scored 18 for Costa Rica, and Cesar Gomez finished with 10.

“We are so glad for this victory, and with all the attention given to us by the organization”, said Henry Rodríguez, head coach of Costa Rica. “We came from behind, we were not too constant on the first set, but it is part of the learning curve”, stated captain Andres Araya.

“We could not close the important points”, said Ryan Thomas about Trinidad & Tobago. “I think this was a very competitive match, we had some sets in our favor, but unfortunately we could not win”, remarked Trinidadian coach David Camacho.

USA AGAINST BRAZIL: THE MOST EXPECTED MATCH AT BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Americans look for a berth in the finals

Mexicali, Mexico, July 14 2011.— The United States of America qualified to the semifinals at Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup by defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-19, 25-4, 25-12).

Gregory Petty scored 16 points and Scott Rhein 10 for the American team, while Meyson García scored 5 for Costa Rica. “The first set was good for us, but we failed on the second and lost concentration”, said Andres Araya.

“Playing against the United States is a honor, the boys felt very well, they were not nervious and looked more concentrated on the first set”, remarked Costa Rican coach Henry Rodriguez.

“We played better today, with more communication and chemistry”, stated Matthew West about USA, whose coach, Ken Shibuya is focusing now on Brazil.

 “It will be a tough match. Brazil is a very experienced team, their coach Percy (Oncken) has a lot of time directing their program, and you don’t know how good you are until you play the best”, said Shibuya.

Costa Rica will match Trinidad and Tobago for the fifth place, and USA will play against Brazil in the first semifinal.

PUERTO RICO, TO FACE MEXICO IN THE SEMIFINALS

After a day off, Mexico prepares for its next rival.

MEXICALI, Mexico, July 14 2011.— Puerto Rico advanced to the semifinals of the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup after defeating Trinidad and Tobago in the quarterfinal round 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-18).

Edgardo Cartagena and Carlos Acosta topped with 10 for Puerto Rico. The same number of points were also achieved by Brandon Legall for Trinidad and Tobago. “We faced a very competitive team like Puerto Rico, it was difficult for us but never gave up”, said Ryan Thomas about the Trinidadian team.

“This was an interesting match for us that are trying to improve and work a little bit more as a joint team before the World Championship”, stated Puerto Rico’s Carlos Acosta.

Puerto Rico will match Mexico, in the semifinals. “We have played previously, last year at the Norceca championship. We won the medal and the pass to the World Championship, but it will be different this time and have to do the right things”, said coach Ramon Lawrence.

“We had limited time to prepare for this tournament, but we’ve tried to be stuck to our plan as much as possible”, mentioned David Camacho of Trinidad and Tobago, that was waiting for the loser team of the match between USA and Costa Rica to play the classification for 5th and 6th places.

MEXICO GIVES A BIG SURPRISE AGAINST THE U.S.

MEXICO DEFEATED USA 3-2

Mexicali, Mexico, July 13 2011.- Mexico gave the big surprise of the Cup after defeating USA 3-2 (25-21, 19-25, 21-25, 27-25, 15-13) and qualified to the semifinals.

Matthew Tarantino scored 23 for USA, while Aaron Russell 19, Cody Caldwell finished with 16, and Douglas White 14. Cristian Limon Finished with 17 for Mexico, while Sergio Perez and Marco Rodriguez finished with 12 a piece, and Roberto Rincon with 11.

"Actually this was our second match of this year, and it was a very good one on both sides. We were six players in the courts against another six players and two thousand more, but really wanted to experience how it feels to face a team locally with all the support of the fans", stated American coach Ken Shibuya.

For Oscar Licea, Mexican coach, his team "played with the heart and courage, we kept playing positively and want to congratulate the boys and thank the fans for supporting us".

USA captain Matthew West said: "Mexico played with a lot of passion and fantastically".

Mexico's Jonathan Ponce said that the key was to keep the calm and think positively. "We decided to play a very smart on the last set and did not lose the wish to win".

Mexico will have a bye date this Thursday, and will play again until Friday in the semifinals. USA will match Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.

NEWS FROM THE AFRICAN CONFEDERATION: KENYA PREPARES FEMALE ROSTER

Nairobi, Kenya, July 13, 2011- Kenya Volleyball Federation “KVF” have named a 19-member team that is scheduled to start training in Nairobi in preparation for the Africa Nations Championship which will be played in Nairobi on August and September's All Africa Games in Maputo. 

KVF Sec Gen Evans Wasike released the names during Memorial tournament in Kisumu this week.

Notable inclusions are celebrated setter Janet Wanja who plays in Rwanda and Pipeline right attacker Lucy Chege

The selected players were:

Setters: Jane Wacu (Prisons), Janet Wanja (APR), Rose Magoi (Pipeline).

Liberos: Mildred Odwako (Pipeline), Judy Tarus, Elizabeth Nafula (Prisons).

Left attackers: Mercy Moim, Esther Mwombe, Everline Makuto (Prisons), Ednah Rotich (Ulinzi), Esther Wangeci (Pipeline).

Right attackers: Lydia Maiyo (Prisons), Lucy Chege (Pipeline).

Centres: Bracksides Agala, Diana Khisa (Prisons), Jacky Barasa (Ulinzi), Ruth Chepletich (Pipeline), Roselyne Odhiambo (Pipeline), Joan Chelagat (Prisons).

By Oscar Pilipili, Kenya Volleyball Federation press officer

PASSION FOR VOLLEYBALL MOURNS THE LOSS OF MR. CASTRO'S MOTHER

Mr. Juan Castro, President of the Peruvian Volleyball Federation.
Photo by Peru21.

LIMA, Peru.- The whole family of volleyball shares its condolences with Mr. Juan Castro Romero, President of Peruvian Volleyball Federation whose mother has passed away.

We who are part of a beautiful sport that magnifies and celebrates the spirit of humanity raise our prayers for the rest of a woman who has given us the opportunity to know a great human being and leader like Mr. Castro.

Our thoughts and best wishes are with his family, relatives and beloved ones.

Sincerely:

Passion For Volleyball.

July 2011.

MEXICO STARTS WITH THE RIGHT FOOT AT BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Mexico tries to adjust the blocking
game against the Trinidadians.

MEXICALI, Mexico.- Mexico won its fist match at the Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup 3-0 against Trinidad & Tobago (25-19, 25-18, 25-11).

Brandon Legall scored 17 points (14 by spike and 13 on serve plays) for the Trinidadian team, while Sergio Perez finished with 15 tallies and Marco Antonio Rodriguez scored 13 for Mexico. 

“We had a very explosive start on the first set, but on the last one we lost momentum”, said Trinidad & Tobago’s captain Ryan Thomas.

“It was not an easy match. It was as we expected. We felt some anxiety and nerves but we knew we could make it and got confidence”, stated Mexico’s Jonathan Ponce.

“I’m proud of the boys, this is their first time playing at this level, and when you play your first match it is always difficult. They did it with heart and determination”, said David Camacho, head coach of Trinidad and Tobago.

For Oscar Licea, the team has started a long process. “I think we will go from minus to more every day, but we have make some adjustments specifically in our blocking game“, He remarked.

Trinidad & Tobago faces United States and Mexico has a bye date this Tuesday.

BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP IS OFFICIALY IN PROGRESS

Folk dances and a teams parade were part of the opening
ceremony at State Auditorium,

MEXICALI, Mexico, July 11 2011.- The First Boy U19 Pan Am Cup was officialy inaugurated after the opening ceremony took place at the State Auditorium in Mexicali.

Mayor Francisco Perez Tejada Padilla of Mexicali welcomed the fans on behalf of the city that once again has hosted an international volleyball event.

The traditional parade took place on the court with the teams of USA, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico.

The mexican folklor also was part of a colorful ceremony, thar marked the beginning of a one week celebration in a warm but friendly city that has been the site of Senior Pan Am Cups as well as the Womens' World Junior Championship in 2009.

The first two matches were played between Brazil and Costa Rica, with a 3-0 victory for the Amazonian team.

Meanwhile Mexico played its first match against Trinidad and Tobago. The times for matches are scheduled at 5:00 and 7:00 PST.

COACHES DECLARE THEIRSELVES READY FOR BOYS' U19 PAN AM CUP

Coaches were presented prior to the tournament in
Mexicali, Mexico.

MEXICALI, Baja California (Norceca.org).— The First Boys’ U19 Pan American Cup starts this monday at the State Auditorium with participation of six countries.

The first match will be played at 5:00 PM local time, between Brazil and Costa Rica, while the Official Opening Ceremony will take place immediately. After the ceremony, México will face Trinidad & Tobago. This will be a free event to the public.

The host team, Mexico, will compete in Pool B, along with the United States of America, as well as Trinidad & Tobago. Brazil, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico are part of Pool “A”. Coaches of every competing team shared their expectations about this tournament.

Percy Oncken (Brazil): “The expectation of course is big for us, because it is a very important tournament and we understand that this competition is a preparation for the World Junior Championship that will be played in Argentina next August. We will see very strong teams and we hope Brazil can play very well”.

Oscar Licea (Mexico): “We want to have a change in our Boys’ youth teams. There have not been good results previously, but we are beginning a long preparation process with these kids, and we hope to have a good start in this tournament”.

Ramon Lawrence (Puerto Rico): “We have a very young team, in development, and this tournament will help us as a preparation for the World Championship in Argentina. We will try to be among the top three and we hope that during this competition our players can get confidence”.

David Camacho (Trinidad y Tobago): “This is my second time in the city of Mexicali, it is hot but so friendly. For us the preparation was not very long actually, however our main attention is to practice, get confidence, and we plan to enjoy this tournament”.

Henry Rodríguez (Costa Rica): “We bring a new team to gain experience in a tournament like this with important teams like Mexico, United States, Brazil or Puerto Rico. We have been training to have a united group. It will be difficult, but we will work to give our best on the court, even we win or lose”.

Ken Shibuya (United States of America): “Our USA team is ready and very excited to be in Mexico. We appreciate the federation to host us. This also will be a great preparation for the World Championship in Argentina. We are very excited to play Mexico in Mexicali, it is a wonderful environment.”