Dominican Republic wins Pool B at Pan Am Cup

LIMA, Peru, June 21. 2017 – Defending champions Dominican Republic advanced to the semifinals of the XVI Women’s Volleyball Pan American Cup by Movistar as winners of Pool B after defeating hosts Peru in straight sets 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-18) in front of a full house at Eduardo Dibos Coliseum of Lima on Wednesday.

The Dominicans finished Pool B with an undefeated record of 5-0 with all their victories coming in straight sets. Peru finished with a 3-2 mark and 16 points for second place in the group ahead of Cuba (3-2, 14).

Bethania de la Cruz was the only Dominican player with double digits in the scores with 11 points, including three aces. Brayelin Martinez was next with 9 points while Annerys Vargas and Yonkaira Peña each contributed 8 points. Peru’s Carla Rueda finished with 11 points in the loss.

The Dominicans outscored Peru 8-1 in service winners, 38-29 in attacks and 6-4 in blocks.

Bethania de la Cruz, Captain of Dominican Republic: “We followed our game plan and achieved our goal of qualifying directly to the semifinals as winners of our pool. It was an important victory because we had to play also against the home team fans.”

Mirtha Uribe, Captain of Peru: “Dominican Republic is a team with a lot of power at the net. We need to continue playing with the same energy because we want to be on the podium with one of the medals.”

Marcos Kwiek, Coach of Dominican Republic: “Our serves were very effective which helped our blocking and defense. When you are aggressive you have to run some risks. I am satisfied with the performance of my team.”

Luizomar de Moura, Coach of Peru: “I wish the game had lasted longer because we need to play against such kind of teams. It is a long process but facing teams like Dominican Republic, Turkey, Japan, will help our development.”