Dominican Republic to play its eleventh title match

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, July 9, 2016 – The Dominican Republic advanced to the gold medal match against Puerto Rico after a straight-set 3-0 (25-11, 25-22, 25-21) victory over Cuba at the XV Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup on Saturday.

The Dominicans, winners of the title in three occasions, will be playing their eleventh gold medal match while the Puerto Ricans will make their first attempt for the crown.

Gina Mambru collected 17 points, including three aces, and Bethania de la Cruz added 15 with two aces as the offensive stars for the winning side. Brayelin Martinez and Annerys Vargas contributed 10 and 8 points in the victory.

Heidy Rodriguez and Daimara Lescay accounted for 14 and 10 points on the Cuban side.

“I am elated with this victory and the chance to play for the gold medal in front of our fans,” Mambru said. “This is a unique opportunity for them after following our matches abroad for a long time.”

“It was a match under pressure as it is always when you play a semifinal,” De la Cruz said. “Our level of concentration was very high and we were able to overcome the pressing moments in the last two sets when Cuba closed the score.”

“We couldn’t take advantage of the few errors in the key moments of the last two sets and the Dominicans blocked some balls at the right time,” said Roberto Garcia, the coach of Cuba.

“It is good for NORCECA to have all four teams from the confederation in the medal matches,” said Marcos Kwiek, the coach of Dominican Republic.

He praised Mambru for her hard work and the consistency she has maintained over the whole tournament as well as her progress in reception and blocking.

“She has reached certain level of quality due her dedication and hard work,” Kwiek said. “The hard work is paying off.”