Sunday, July 15 2012

A day after shocking Mexico with a 3-1 win, the “Calypso Spikers” fell to Argentina 3-0 in Group B, as the Eleventh Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup continued in Mexico on Friday.

Playing their first match at the Universidad Autónoma Gymnasiums, the world #34 ranked twin island women started very confidently and were able to outscore the South Americans. They opened a five point lead 13-8, however, Argentina clawed their way back with the aid of a couple of error points, to level the score at 13. The four-time Caribbean queens then went on a 7-2 run for a 20-15 lead, before blowing it once again as Argentina drew level at 20.

The Krystle Esdelle-led TT team then went up by two, 24-22, however, they could not finish off their opponents. Argentina saved two set points and eventually were able to close out the set 26-24.

The “Calypso Spikers” never recovered as the Argentines carried their momentum into the second and third sets which they claimed comfortably 25-14 and 25-13. Argentina, who lost their opening match to Peru on Thursday, were led by Leticia Boscacci and Josefina Fernandez with 10 points each, while opponent errors accounted for 22.

Sinead Jack was the lone TT player in double figures, finishing with her second ten-point match of the tournament, in addition to three blocks. Captain Krystele Esdelle and Kelly-Ann Billingy both scored seven points, while opponent errors accounted for 15.

The twin island women, who have qualified for the tournament for the last six years, are aiming to better their 10th place finishes in the past three years of the tournament. TT have never advanced to the knockout stage and will advance should they win against Costa Rica and Peru. However, their next match will be against the defending champion Brazil and they will definitely need to refocus quickly if they want to give a good showing. The Brazilians won their first two matches against Costa Rica and Peru in straight sets.



Friday’s Results:

Group A

Cuba def Colombia 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-15)

Dominican Rep def Canada 3-1 (25-17, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21)

United States def Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-14)



Group B

Argentina def TT 3-0 (26-24, 25-14, 25-13)

Brazil def Peru 3-0 (25-11, 25-19, 25-16)

Costa Rica def Mexico 3-1 (25-27, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23)