Dominicans advance to third final in a row

SAN VICENTE DE CAÑETE, Peru, September 24, 2016 – Two-time defending champions Dominican Republic advanced to their third consecutive gold medal match at the U23 Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup after a 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-20) victory over Cuba at Lolo Fernandez Coliseum on Saturday.

In Sunday’s final the Dominican Republic will play the winner of the match between Peru and Argentina to be played later on Saturday.

In front of a crowd of more than 4,500 spectators, the Dominican team only committed 12 unforced errors for the match to 26 by the defeated side. The winners also held a 9-1 margin in service winners.

Brayelin Martinez and Natalia Martinez led the winners with 16 and 12 points, respectively, while Jineiry Martinez and Gaila Gonzalez chipped in with 9 and 7 points.

Diaris Perez and Dalila Palma stood out for Cuba with 14 and 12 points, while Yelennis Diaz added 8 in the loss.

Wagner Pacheco, coach of Dominican Republic: “I am very glad for a third time in a final of the Pan American Cup. Despite the 3-0 score it was a tough match because the girls were a little anxious to close the game quickly. But we controlled that and now- to think about the next match because Peru and Argentina are two very good teams.”

Brayelin Martinez, captain of Dominican Republic: “It was a good match for us. It is very important to have qualified to the finals and have the chance to play for a third title for my country.”

Roberto Garcia, coach of Cuba: “The girls were too passive and let the Dominicans to take the offense and there came the errors. We have to change that mentality and go out to battle tomorrow for a place on the podium.”

Diaris Perez, captain of Cuba: “We were a little bit confused and could not solve the errors we committed on the court but we are willing to recover and show tomorrow what we are capable of doing to win the bronze medal.”