Dominican Republic will play for fifth place at NORCECA U19

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, July 18, 2024.- Dominican Republic defeated the host country Honduras 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-11) and will play for fifth place in the Girls U19 NORCECA Continental Championship at the Jorge Galeano Gymnasium in Tegucigalpa.

Dominican Republic will play for positions 5-6 on Friday at 2:00pm against the winner between Cuba and Costa Rica. Honduras will go against the loser for positions 7-8 at noon.

In the pool-play, the Dominican Republic also defeated Honduras in straight sets.

Dominican Republic finished the match with a 41-18 advantage in attacks, 5-2 in blocks, and 9-8 in serves. Both teams committed 20 unforced errors.

Opposite Julie Arias scored 17 points (14 attacks, 3 blocks) for the Dominican Republic. She was joined by outside hitter Ambar Hernández with 12 points (11 attacks, one serve).

Opposite María Fernanda Merino led Honduras with 10 points (7 attacks, one block, 2 serves).

Julie Arias, top scorer for the Dominican Republic: “I think at the beginning we were a bit overconfident, but Honduras never gave up. In the end, we were able to adjust for the result we wanted. We were good in serving, receiving, and defense”.

María Fernanda Merino, top scorer for Honduras: “I believe that in this match we were more united and encouraged, which helped us score more points. The Dominican Republic is a team with a lot of development; they are very fast and taller, which gives them a greater advantage”.