Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, July 15, 2010 – The Dominican Republic are the pre-tournament favorites for the Central American and Caribbean Games women’s Volleyball competition due to take place from July 18-23 in the city of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico as preparations for the 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix continue.

The reigning NORCECA and Pan American Cup champions will be looking for their third consecutive gold medal, and fifth overall, in the regional multisport event organized by the Central American and Caribbean Sport Organization (CACSO).

In their quest for the hat-trick, the Dominican side will be facing a major obstacle in the form of hosts Puerto Rico, bronze medalists at the previous edition of the Games in Colombia in 2006, who now have the advantage of home support.

The Dominican Republic, with Brazilian Marcos Kwiek at the helm, rely on a strong offense led by Prisilla Rivera, MVP at both NORCECA and the Pan American Cup, the emerging Lisvel Eve and veterans Milagros Cabral and Annerys Vargas alongside the defense and leadership qualities that libero Brenda Castillo brings to the table.

Puerto Rico, under female native coach Yarelis Rodriguez, is expected to be taking a full swing at the gold medal with established star Aury Cruz at the center of a side that includes powerful Sarai Alvarez, Karina Ocasio and consistent setter Vilmarie Mojica.

The Dominican Republic will be in Pool A along with Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago and Barbados. Puerto Rico competes in Pool B alongside with Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua.

The pool winners after a preliminary round-robin will receive direct tickets to the semifinal round with the second and third placed sides facing each other in crossover quarterfinal matches. 

Women’s Year by Year podiums

Year Gold Silver Bronze 
1938 MEX PUR PAN
1946 DOM PUR MEX
1959 MEX VEN AHO
1962 DOM PUR MEX
1966 CUB MEX DOM
1970 MEX CUB VEN
1974 CUB MEX DOM
1978 CUB MEX DOM
1982 CUB MEX DOM
1986 CUB MEX VEN
1990 CUB MEX VEN
1993 CUB MEX VEN
1998 CUB DOM VEN
2002 DOM VEN MEX
2006 DOM CUB PUR