South American Women's Championship runners-up Venezuela unchanged for WOQT
PINTO (2016 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Venezuela head coach Oscar Silva was so happy with his team’s display at last month’s FIBA South America Women’s Championship that he is taking the
PINTO (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Venezuela head coach Oscar Silva was so happy with his team's display at last month's FIBA South America Women's Championship that he is taking the same group of players to the upcoming FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament Women (WOQT) in Nantes, France.
The play caller has admitted to making some tactical adjustments, but insisted there is no need to change the roster. So all 12 'Las Guerreras' - or Warriors - are set for the WOQT challenge, and holding a training camp in Pinto, near the Spanish capital Madrid.
| Venezuela final roster for 2016 FIBA WOQT | |||
| Yosimar Corrales | Mariana Duran | Marielka Garate | Ana García |
| Mayerling Landaeta | Ivaney Marquez | Luisana Ortega | Sharol Renault |
| Dianora Rivas | Waleska Perez | Roselis Silva | Daniela Wallen |
As hosts of the Americas' regional championship in Barquisimeto, Venezuela reached the Final undefeated in four games but fell short to Brazil in the title game.
The South American Championship was an important competition for our preparation for the WOQT. Now, our goal is secure one of the five places in the Rio Olympics. - Silva
The WOQT runs from 13-19 June, and Venezuela will go up against Spain and China in Group D in the hunt for one of the five tickets on offer for the Rio Olympics.
"We know we have to beat China in the opener to keep our chances open," Silva noted. "This group of players knows our responsibility to build up from our successful campaign in the South American Women's Championship.
"It was an important competition for our preparation for the WOQT. Now, our goal is secure one of the five places in the Rio Olympics," Silva offered.
Prior to the WOQT, 'Las Guerreras' will play a number of warm-up games, starting with a South American re-match against Argentina on Saturday 4 June. Two days later, they will face New Zealand before testing against Cuba on 8 June.
FIBA