Dominican Republic gets NORCECA Girls’ U17 underway beating Costa Rica

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, November 21, 2023.- Dominican Republic beat Costa Rica 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18) to get the first edition of the Girls’ U17 NORCECA Continental Championship underway on Tuesday at Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The event that runs from November 21 to 26 will qualify the top three finishers to the 2024 FIVB World Championship.

On Wednesday, the Dominican Republic will play Cuba and Costa Rica goes up against Canada.

Costa Rica took an early three-point lead in the first two sets, leveling the scores to 20 points in the first and 17 in the second. Dominican Republic managed to stabilize their rhythm of play until the third set where they jumped quickly to a six-point lead (10-4) to grab their first Pool B victory.

Dominicans 11 to 4 advantage in serves were too much for Costa Rica. Dominican Republic also held advantage in blocks 7-4 and committed fewer unforced errors (25-28). Both teams leveled in 29 points from attacks.

Dominican outside hitter Virelys Rivera led her team with 13 points on 9 kills, a match-high of 5 blocks and 4 aces. Opposite hitter Rayni Mondesi followed with 11 points on 7 kills and 4 aces.

Middle blocker Amanda Campos led Costa Rica with 13 points on 8 kills, 2 blocks and 3 aces. Outside hitter Dayna Barrantes and opposite Lilliam Vargas added 7 points each.

Estel Santos, captain of Dominican Republic said “Our serves were weak in the first and second sets, that’s why the scores were too close. We started to push with serves in the third and we improved our receiving. We are glad to open with a win”.

Nadia Granados, captain of Costa Rica said “I think attitude marked the difference from the third set to the first two. We had more energy in the first and second sets, and we turned it off in the third. We fought strong against a good opponent. We will correct some tactical aspects for our next match”.