Dominican Republic Lima 2019 Pan American Champion

LIMA, Peru, August 11, 2019. - Dominican Republic defeated Colombia 3-1 (25-20, 19-25, 27-25, 25-16) winning the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Champion title on Sunday at the Multisport Complex El Callao in Lima, Peru.

After a sixteen year drought, Dominicans win the Pan American gold medal for the second time in the events history (2003) after dominating a surprising Colombia who recovered from an eight-point deficit (8-16) for an extended overtime third set win 27-25 for the “Queens of the Caribbean”.

It was a match with little errors for the more than two hours that the four sets lasted; Dominicans allowed 16 and Colombians handed out 19. Dominican Republic struck even harder in the fourth set to impose their strategy and force to finish with 64-61 advantage in kills and 9-5 in blocks. Both teams scored 4 service points.

Outside hitter Brayelin Martinez led Dominican Republic with 24 points including 22 kills. Three other players scored double-figures for the Pan American Champions, Bethania De La Cruz (18), Prisilla Rivera (15) and Lisvel Eve (10). Amanda Caneo and Dayana Segovia tallied 22 points for the silver medalists.

Comments:

Prisilla Rivera, captain of Dominican Republic: “There are many emotions, we really wanted to win. We came stressed from many working hours and we were hoping to be rewarded. Congratulations to Colombia, they are growing fast and we must keep an eye on them”.

Marcos Kwiek, Head coach of Dominican Republic:  “It was a tough match, congratulations to Colombia for their excellent work with a young team. We also are young but more experienced and we took the heat, we did our job and we were calm. I am glad the way my players performed”.

Antonio Rizola, Head coach of Colombia: “Behind our work is involved all the sport authorities of Colombia, coaches, leagues and our supporters; we are grateful for that. It has been a long process and they all have a place in wining this silver medal”.

María Alejandra, captain of Colombia: “Dominican Republic came with their A team, they played strong, but Colombia did a good job and at the end the best team won. We are leaving with a silver medal in our first ever Pan American Games”.