Tijuana, Mexico, June 20, 2010 - Cuba and USA both sit comfortably at the top of Pool A and B respectively in the Women’s Pan American Volleyball Cup following their third victory on Sunday as the tournament continues in Tijuana, Mexico.

The Cubans prevailed in a hard fought five-setter against Dominican Republic while the Americans had an easy win over Trinidad & Tobago at the competition. Four teams will get tickets to next year’s FIVB World Grand Prix at the conclusion of the tournament.

Elsewhere, Peru and Argentina recorded straight sets wins over Puerto Rico and Brazil and Mexico defeated Costa Rica in four sets.

Cuba v Dominican Republic

Cuba won a thrilling five-setter against Dominican Republic 3-2 (31-29, 23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-12) and improved its record in Pool A to 3-0 while the Dominicans are now at 1-1.

Gisell Silva topped Cuba with 27 points while Kenia Carcaces contributed 21 to the winning side. Rachel Sanchez and Yilian Cleger chipped in 12 and 10 respectively. Prisilla Rivera was the best Dominican with 20 points and Lisvel Eve, Milagros Cabral and Vargas each charted 15, 14 and 13 respectively.

USA v Trinidad & Tobago

USA had little trouble overcoming Trinidad & Tobago in straight sets (25-17, 25-9, 25-11) in their Pool B match between the two unbeaten teams. The Americans stand at 3-0 while the Trinidadians are now at 2-1. 

Jordan Larson topped the USA's scoresheets with 10 points while Cynthia Barboza, Heather Bown and Christa Harmotto chipped in nine, eight and seven points respectively. Trinidadian Kelly-Anne Billingy scored a match-high 12 points and Krystle Esdelle added eight.

Peru v Puerto Rico

Peru improved its Pool B record to 2-1 following a straight-sets (25-21, 25-22, 25-14) victory over Puerto Rico. The loss sees Puerto Rico drop to a 1-2 record. Jessenia Uceda scored 12 points for Peru and Patricia Soto and Leyla Chihuan contributed with eight apiece. Puerto Rican Sarai Alvarez had 13 points while Tatiana Encarnacion, Stephanie Enright and Alexandra Oquendo each charted eight points.

Argentina v Brazil

Argentina outclassed Brazil 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-22) to claim its second victory without a loss in Pool A. The young Brazilians are now winless in three outings. The fans at Reforma Gym were delighted with a great performance from the Argentinean ladies who had Lucia Fresco, Georgina Pinedo and Florencia Carloto as their best scorers with 15, 12 and 10 points respectively. Ana Beatriz Silva led Brazil with 11.

Mexico v Costa Rica

Mexico recorded its first victory in Pool B by defeating Costa Rica 3-1 (25-17, 15-25, 25-14, 25-14) in Sunday's final match. Samantha Bricio paced the Mexican offense with 20 points while Andrea Rangel added 16. Karla Sainz charted 10 while Claudia Rodriguez and Zaira Orellana each compiled eight points. Verania Willis was the top Costa Rican scorer with 16 points.

The standings after three days are as follows:
Pool A: Cuba (3-0), Argentina (2-0), Dominican Republic (1-1), Canada (0-2), Brazil (0-3).