Dominican Republic defeat Costa Rica in NORCECA U20 opener

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, June 18, 2018.- Defending champions Dominican Republic defeated Costa Rica 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-18) at the U20 Women’s NORCECA Continental Championship opening match at Poliforum Universitario Morelos in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Dominican Republic had little resistance from Costa Rica, with a dominant performance in every aspect of the game in pool B. Dominicans jumped to an early lead in sets one and two, using powerful kills, solid blocking and firm serves. In set three, Costa Rican spikers pressured harder tying the score 13-13 and 15-15, but Dominican Republic had no difficulties to come on top. 

In stats, Dominicans prevailed with 31-23 margin in attacks, 9-5 in blocks and 9-6 in service points. Dominican Republic scored on 26 opponent errors and limited their own to 14 points.

With 13 points apiece, Yanlis Feliz, Natalia Martínez and Madeline Guillen led Dominican Republic’s offense. On Costa Rica’s side, Susan Alpizar scored 7 points.

Next matches in group B are Dominican Republic (1-0) against Honduras and Costa Rica (0-1) meets Mexico.

Natalia Martinez captain of Dominican Republic: “We are happy with the victory and that no one was injured. I believe we could have been much better and we need to be more effective for tougher matches. In the third set we fell into Costa Rica’s rhythm, we were lazy and committed to many errors”.

Brazilian Wagner Pacheco head coach of Dominican Republic: “The result was fine, we did not have chance to practice in the main hall and there is too much light which on occasions put our performance in difficulties. Everything went well, we knew that Costa Rica was going to give us many opportunities and that it wasn’t going to be too demanding; our game level was good and we must continue to improve. I made several changes in our line-up but always using my starters who need to play more and improve in everything. Costa Rica had better serves in the third set, forcing us to commit many consecutive errors”.

Edya Espinoza captain of Costa Rica: “We had a better attitude in set three, allowing us to move closer in scores because our setting was more effective. Costa Rica defended well against the world’s sub champion, they are very good. We must improve our attitude”.

Andrés López head coach of Costa Rica: “My team performed better in the third set, they were more confident; our actions improved, we committed less errors but when things got complicated they lost concentration and started to fail. Our points come from our own actions; we can defend against more powerful teams like Dominican Republic that also have better height and game level”.