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SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, June 17, 2016 – A classic
NORCECA duel between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico will
take place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria as the semifinals of the FIVB
World Grand Prix Group 2 get underway on Saturday.
The Puerto Ricans have stormed into the Final Four on the back
of six wins without losses while the Dominicans have won their
last five matches after a five-set loss to Bulgaria in the first
weekend of the preliminary phase.
Hosts Bulgaria will play Poland in the second semifinal of Group
2.
“Our goal is to advance to Group 1, but first we need to improve
our consistency and count on every player,” Puerto Rican Captain
Yarimar Rosa stated. “We need to have good serve and return in
order to beat the better teams.”
Dominican Captain Bethania De la Cruz said: “After a slow start
in the first weekend we are playing more as a team and the
spirit is very high. We are confident enough to overcome the
next obstacles.”
After suffering just one defeat in the preliminary round – to
the Dominican Republic- Bulgarian Captain Eva Yaneva is aware of
the tough competition ahead.
“We will have to be on top of our game and fully focused in
order to have any chance of winning,” Yaneva said.
“We are happy to have qualified
for the Final Four. The plan is fulfilled,” said Polish captain
Joanna Wołosz.
In the Group 3 Finals, the first semifinal will see Peru (6-0)
take on Croatia (5-1).
In the second semifinal hosts Kazakhstan meets Colombia. |
