We might not be in Tokyo or Nagoya for the women’s World Champs but we have the following news to share!
PERU IN TEARS: Team veterans, Leyla Chihuan and Patricia Soto, received comfort from their teammates after losing to China in straight sets. This could be the last World Champs for the 2 who have expressed to end their careers next year in the 2011 World Grand Prix. As far as we know Leyla has been on the team for almost 15 years (?). We truly admire and respect these 2 veterans who have provided guidance to the young generation. Their presence on the team has provided stability when needed. We wish them the best and we want to see them next year!
Side Dish: Peru finished in 15th place up 2 spots from the 2006 World Champs.
CHAINE STAELENS’ LONELIEST TOURNAMENT: We kind of understand now why Chaine has been under performing since the tournament started it’s because this is her first major tournament without her boyfriend, Jonathon Walsh (33 yrs old), who died this year due to heart failure or cardiac arrest. On a happy note, Chaine and The Netherlands are still in the tournament and will play in the 9th-12th classification matches. They need to finish 9th to get more points added to their current ranking. Best wishes!
THE CUBAN STARS: They might not be playing for Cuba anymore but Regla Torres and Yumilka Ruiz are still around to support the team! Queen Torres works as the Assistant Coach while Yumi is an IOC member who was invited by the FIVB to attend the World Champs. Yumi talked to the FIVB press and stated that the current Cuban team is very young but has a lot of potentials. She also added that some veterans are no longer playing because of DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS. Darn it! That’s all Yumi said. Girlfriend we want the details. Maybe she was talking about Carillo? Anyways, we’re happy that they are still around.
NO SHOW: Piccinini decided to DITCH the FIVB Press by not showing at the press conference after Italy lost to Cuba. Her reason? “I AM TIRED BECAUSE WE PLAYED FOR 2 HOURS.” and our translation “I AM BITTER!”. We understand and respect her decision but the press people expected her presence they even had a chair reserved for her. The Press loves her even more! On the other hand, we give Lo Bianco the 3 Thumbs Up for bravely facing the press and shared a few words on their loss: “It’s difficult to play and win against this team. They played very well. I don’t what else there is to say.” G-luck to Italy who will be in the 5th-8th classification matches.
DISSED ON TWITTER: Someone expressed her frustrations on Twitter last night and ended up dissing a teammate but the good thing is THAT PLAYER already deleted the updates. For us, it’s NEVER OK to do something like that. It’s a public network and it can cause fire among fans and teammates. Actually a Volleytalk.net thread is already on fire coz of this! Smart and good decision to delete them. Good job sistah!
Side Dish: If this post adds gasoline to cause more fire. We apologize and the Fire Truck is on it’s way to add more gas. KIDDING!
(images from www.fivb.org except for the twitter pic)