Spectacular victory of Dominican Republic over Canada

GUADALAJARA, Mexico, October 17, 2011 – Dominican Republic scored one spectacular come-from-behind victory over Canada 27-29, 22-25, 27-25, 25-21, 15-12 and won a spot in the quarterfinals round of the women’s volleyball tournament of the Pan American Games Guadalajara 2011.

Canada dominated the game at the net with 19 blocks against 10 from the winners and also held a slight advantage in service winners 4-2.

Bethania De la Cruz was again the leading scorer of the Dominican side with 23 points followed by Lisvel Eve (13) and Milagros Cabral (17). Canada had five players in double figures topped by Jennifer Hinze who had 18 including 7 blocks. Sherline Holness and Tammy Mahon contributed 17 and 16 while Brittney Page and Elizabeth Cordonier had 11 and 10 respectively.

Marcos Kwiek (Coach of Dominican Republic): “We clinched a berth in the quarterfinals. It was going to be tough because our both teams had the obligation to win. After closing the third set we really took a breath. It was very intense due to the good rallies on both sides. Now we have to study and prepare, because we don’t have any more time to rest.”

Milagros Cabral (Captain of Dominican Republic): “I knew it was going to be tough because all the teams here work hard for a medal. The Dominican team knew how to play on the fifth set and thanks to God we could win.”

Bethania de la Cruz (Player of Dominican Republic): “We could show a great volleyball level. The team of Canada played hard while we were down on the score but we came back and forced the fifth set.”

Arnd Ludwig (Coach of Canada): “They came back. This was a really good game. It was tough and intense. I am really proud of my team and how we played against the Dominican Republic, unfortunately we could not finish in three sets.”

Tammy Mahon (Captain of Canada): “It is obviously disappointing to come out and not winning the match. Those are the moments you prepare for, and those are the moments you love as an athlete. It was a fantastic match to be part of it.”

Jennifer Hinze (Player of Canada): “This was very exciting match to play I think it was a big experience for us. The experience itself at the Pan Am games so far has been really enjoyable for us, with awesome games.”