Dominican Republic sweeps Honduras at NORCECA U20

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, June 19, 2018. - Dominican Republic continued their strong performance defeating Honduras 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-14) in pool B at the NORCECA Women’s U20 Continental Championship on Tuesday in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Honduras worked hard to overcome a 0-4 deficit in set one, reaching a 5-5 tied score, but the Dominican girls had no difficulties to hold off their good team effort. Dominican Republic scored on strong kills winning their second pool B match improving to a 2-0 win-loss record, while Honduras is win-less 0-2.

Defending champions Dominican Republic overwhelmed the Central American squad with a huge 41-18 margin in spikes and 11-2 in serves; they also held a 7-3 advantage in blocking. Dominicans committed 22 unforced errors and Honduras 11.

Three Dominican players finished with double figures, Yanlis Feliz and Sthefany Gonzalez with 11 points each, Erika Asencio contributed with 10 points performing only in set three. Nathaly Perez was Honduras top scorer with 7 points.

Dominican Republic will meet Mexico on Wednesday and Honduras meets Central American counterpart Costa Rica to resume pool-play.

Sthefany Gonzalez atacante de República Dominicana: “Nuestro nivel de juego es superior, esperábamos ganar; pero no jugamos a nuestro ritmo acostumbrado. Ejecutamos bien lo que hemos entrenado y podemos dar más, somos mejor equipo de lo que demostramos hoy. Mañana daremos nuestro 100% para derrotar a México, cada una debe hacer su parte en la cancha porque nuestra meta es lograr el cupo al mundial y ganar este campeonato”.

Wagner Pacheco head coach of Dominican Republic: “It was hard to get in rhythm because of the technical delays during the match; but our mind was always set on winning. My team took control with power at the net and performed well, we are improving with each match. We finish pool-play against Mexico tomorrow, it’s important to beat them and move directly into semifinals; we’ve determined our strategy based on what we’ve seen and we are aware it will be difficult with Mexico’s supporters”.

Nathaly Pérez captain of Honduras: “Dominican Republic has superiority over us. We started with good energy because we have nothing to lose; we need more consistency. We expect to beat Costa Rica tomorrow, that’s what we came for”.

Osiel Vásquez head coach of Honduras: “Both teams lost concentration because of the technical delays and they didn’t perform well. I consider that my team can do much better, I am not happy but I knew Dominican Republic was going to win. Our goal is to beat Costa Rica tomorrow, they are from our zone and we must study them tonight against Mexico”.