Dominican Republic reaches NORCECA U-20 Semifinals

GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala, July 11, 2014. -  Dominican Republic downed Guatemala on Friday’s quarterfinal 3-0 (25-4, 25- 25-4, 25-2) to reach the Women’s U-20 NORCECA Continental Championship Semifinals.

The Dominicans stayed in command the entire straight set victory and will meet with United States con Saturday’s semifinal looking to defend their title, but mostly for one of the tickets available for the 2015 FIVB World Championship.

Dominican Republic held a huge advantage in every skill, in spikes 35-2; they led in blocks 9-0 and service points by 12-0.

Jineiry Martinez and Brayelin Martinez was Dominican Republic top scorer with 13 points apiece; Massiel Matos contributed with 9 points.

“It’s one more victory in our route to the final. Today we practiced hard in preparation for the last days of the tournament” said Dominican captain Brayelin Martinez.

“Our opponent was very superior and we only needed to put resistance without thinking in the result. Hopefully we can finish the championship in fifth place” said Guatemala’s captain Jessica Anleu.

Brazilian Coach Wagner Pacheco said “Guatemala did well in their possibilities; I know it’s not easy for them. For us yesterday’s loss came as a shock and the team worked today thinking in the semifinals that for us will be a final match in which the only result is to win”.

“The difference between Guatemala and Dominican Republic is abysmal, they are one of the best in the world and the defending champions, we were shocked with yesterday’ loss too. Our strategy was to push hard with our serves but Dominican Republic didn’t give us any chance during the match to do so. Our objective has always been to finish in the best position possible to climb in NORCECA’s ranking” said Cuban coach William Fernandez.