Dominican Republic takes Fifth Place at NORCECA U19

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 19, 2024.- Dominican Republic took fifth place at the Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championship with a solid 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-13) victory over Costa Rica on Friday at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Dominican Republic finished the event with four wins and two losses, while Costa Rica had two wins and four losses. In pool-play, Dominican Republic also defeated the Central Americans in straight sets.

Dominican Republic dominated every skill of the game, with a 43-12 advantage in attacks, 8-3 in blocks, and 9-4 in serves. The Dominicans made fewer errors (15-21).

The Dominicans offense was led by opposite hitter Julie Arias with 19 points on 16 attacks and 3 blocks. Middle blocker Caroline Rodríguez contributed 10 points on 6 attacks and a match-high of 4 blocks. Outside hitter Ambar Hernández added 9 points.

María del Sol Venegas and Nadia Granados each scored 4 points for Costa Rica.

Alexandre Ceccato, head coach of the Dominican Republic: “We improved a bit compared to how we started because it’s difficult to begin a tournament without friendly matches. It wasn't the position we wanted, but we were surpassed by the teams that will finish in third and fourth place”.

Edivaldo Bonilla, head coach of Costa Rica: “Instead of focusing on the objectives and the game, the players lacked intensity. Dominican Republic was a very tactical team today, unlike in the previous match against them. It’s a lesson because the approach to each match must be different. We need to work on teaching them how to play these matches”.