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AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, August 14, 2021.-
Dominican Republic beat Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-12,
25-16, 25-12) in semifinals to defend their U23
Women’s Pan American title at the Olympic
Gymnasium of Aguascalientes.
Defending champion Dominican Republic enjoyed
their fourth consecutive victory to progress
into their fifth Gold Medal match, the same
number of editions of the event.
Outside hitter Vielka Peralta of Dominican
Republic scored a match-high of 15 points, the
only player finishing with double digits,
followed by Madeline Guillen registered 9
points. Middle blocker Paola Martell topped
Puerto Rico with 8 points, accompanied by
outside hitter Nahirka Malpica and middle
blocker Karolina Rodríguez with 7 and 6 points
respectively.
Dominican Republic subdued Puerto Rico with
28-20 margin in kills, 9-3 in blocks and 7-5 in
aces, while committing only 12 unforced errors
compared to 30 from Puerto Rico.
Camila De la Rosa, Captain of Dominican
Republic: “I really enjoyed myself during the
match. We are united group and our strength is
communication. We had a great game and we
executed everything well following our coaches’
instructions. We are ready for the final”.
Sara Pomar, Setter of Puerto Rico: “Our passing
failed on ocassions, when it Works we always put
the ball in and our serves also failed. I trust
my team can win the bronze medal”.
Wagner Pacheco, Coach of Dominican Republic: “We
could have done it a little bit better, our
receiving failed; they (Puerto Rico) scored
seven points on serves. We reached our goal and
I believe we will be playing Mexico, we will
study them tonight and tomorrow morning”.
José Rivera Guinand, Coach of Puerto Rico: “We
had a better reception, we asked them to do so,
our defense as well, we were able to get some
balls; obviously our short height limits our
blocking and our inexperience in offense.
Dominican Republic earned their points”.
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