Argentina outplays Dominican Republic in five sets

LIMA, Peru, October 17, 2014 – Argentina battled during five sets before claiming a 25-23, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-3 victory over Dominican Republic to get their first triumph in the U20 Final Four Women’s Gatorade Cup at Eduardo Dibos Coliseum on Friday.

Candelaria Herrera and Sol Piccolo paced the winners’ offense with 19 points apiece, followed by Irena Verasio and Camila Hiruela, with 14 and 13, respectively. Natalia Martinez had a match-high 23 points for the Dominican Republic. Vielka Peralta added 12 and Massiel Matos and Lisbeth Rosario each charted 11 points.

Argentina had the top hand in attacks (57-49) and blocking (14-11) while Dominican Republic held the advantage in aces (10-5).

“We had two good opening sets; we kept a good game and were close to perform the way we expected for this tournament,” Argentina’s coach Guillermo Nazabal said. “In the other two sets we decreased our level and the Dominicans played their game but in the tie-breaker we got a huge lead and won the match. We suffered the injury of Irene Verasio but we hope to keep the same level tomorrow and get another victory.”

The captain Sol Piccolo said to be satisfied with the improvement of the Argentineans compared to the performance of day one when they lost to the host team. “We had fewer errors and match by match we will be correcting that area. The important thing is that we played well in the complicated moments to get our goal of winning the match.”

Alexandre Cecatto, the Brazilian coach of Dominican Republic, said: “It was hard and tough match with a lot of variations. We played good sets and lost the concentration in some others feeling the pressure of Argentina. They have a team with a lot of experience. I feel sad but also happy because we can start to correct the errors and move forward in the competition”.

“Today Argentina played their game and we didn’t perform well, with lack of concentration and confidence. To get the victory we need to get into the match and do what we practice in training. Tomorrow we will have the chance to give our best on the court”, Dominican Republic’s captain Yocaty Perez said.