Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, July 18, 2010 – Hosts Puerto Rico, defending champions the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago all came out winners in straight sets on day one of the women’s Volleyball tournament at the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

In Sunday’s action, Puerto Rico defeated Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic beat Costa Rica, Mexico downed Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago prevailed over Barbados.
Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic will be playing in this year’s FIVB World Grand Prix and both teams along with Costa Rica will take part in the FIVB World Championship in Japan.

Puerto Rico v Nicaragua

Hosts Puerto Rico downed Nicaragua in straight sets (25-14, 25-16, 25-11) in the last match of day one. Aury Cruz led Puerto Rico with 12 points including three aces and two blocks, and Sarai Alvarez, Stephanie Enright and Alexandra Oquendo each recorded eight points as the winners overcame 30 unforced errors.

Dominican Republic v Costa Rica

Defending champions the Dominican Republic scored a 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-20) over Costa Rica in Pool A. The Dominicans outscored their opponents in blocks (11-5) and in serving aces (7-3). Prisilla Rivera and Altagracia Mambru each recorded 10 points including three and two aces respectively. Milagros Cabral added seven and Lisvel Eve and Cindy Rondon charted six points apiece. Costa Ricans Verania Willis and Karen Cope compiled 11 and 9 respectively.

Mexico v Guatemala

Mexico beat Guatemala 3-0 (25-16, 25-14, 25-18) in Pool B. Mexico out-served its opponent 16-2 including 8 aces by Samantha Bricio who finished with a match-high 26 points. Andrea Rangel contributed 11 points to the win. Guatemala’s best scorer was Rut Gomez with eight.

Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados

Trinidad & Tobago swept past Barbados 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-20) in Pool A's opening match. Krystle Esdelle and Kelly-Anne Billingy topped the winners with 16 and 15 points respectively and Channon Thompson contributed 12 including three aces. Alicia Wood led Barbados with seven points. The winning side made 31 unforced errors against 20 by the losers.