Dominican Massiel Matos debuts with 14 aces over Costa Rica

FORT LAUDERDALE, United States, July 26, 2016. – Opposite Massiel Matos scored impressive 14 service points in Dominican Republic’s opening victory at the NORCECA Women’s U-20 Continental Championship defeating Costa Rica 3-0 (25-7, 25-6, 25-3) at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Massiel Matos led all scorers with 27 points, on impressive 14 aces, 11 kills and two blocks. Dominicans showed their superiority while their opponents had no chances in reacting to the Caribbean’s complicated jump serves.

Dominican Republic held huge 40-8 advantage in kills, 7-0 in blocks and 16-2 in service points. Dominicans scored on 75 unforced errors of Costa Rica and limited theirs to 16.

On day two Dominican Republic (1-0) faces Haiti (0-1) and Costa Rica (0-1) meets Cuba (1-0).

Captain Yokaty Pérez of Dominican Republic explained “we weren’t challenged by our opponent and our game level wasn’t what we are used to. We played well, but respecting our rivals. It was a relaxed match because we held a huge advantage with our serves. Our goal is to finish first in pool-play and reach the final”.

Captain Mariana Rodríguez of Costa Rica said “it’s a hard beginning, but we will learn a lot from this experience and that is a positive thing. We must improve in many aspects, mostly in controlling our nerves of playing at this level”.

“For an opening match is was good, even if our opponent had many limitations. We focused on our game, Massiel and Natalia’s serves were very effective and strong”, said Brazilian Wagner Pacheco coach of Dominican Republic.

Coach Andres Lopez of Costa Rica said “we tried to perform, many of our players are U18 and very young; we are looking to win experience and obtain better results in that category. Our opponents were superior, it wasn’t a good match for neither sides; there was no resistance from us”.