Dominican Republic wins undefeated Pool A of Pan American Cup

TRUJILLO, Peru, July 10, 2019 - Dominican Republic showed all its power in attack and defeated host Peru in straight sets (25-22; 25-22; 25-18) at the Gran Chimú Coliseum of Trujillo.

Peru began leading the three sets, but before point 16 Dominican Republic regained control and closed the score in their favor with their effective offense, led by the top scorer of the game Brayelin Martinez, who recorded 17 points in attack.

Martinez led the individual score of his team followed by Bethania de la Cruz, with 10 points. For the local team, Peruvian captain Karla Ortíz scored 14 points for her country, Angela Leyva 13 and 17-year-old Thaisa Mc Leod, 10 points.

Dominican Republic won thanks to its dominance in the attack (44-38), equalized in service (4-4), but was overcome in blocking (6-9).

Coach of the Dominican Republic, Marcos Kwiek: This first stage has been very good, we have faced very good teams Argentina, Canada, Cuba and today Peru that gave us a fight. But that's what we came for, to face rivals that allow us to improve our game; and for the next stage we hope to maintain the good rhythm.

Captain of the Dominican Republic, Prisilla Rivera: We knew it would be an intense match. We came from playing three games of five sets, that's why we focused on winning and claiming our first place in the Group, and having the direct pass to the semifinals to take advantage of the day of rest. Although today we won 3-0, we know we have to keep trying to implement our pace that will make a difference in what remains of competition.

Coach of Peru, Francisco Hervás: Today Dominican played with their starters, played their best game of this phase and the girls did their best in each set to face a team that is a Top 10. Our goal was to play in the quarterfinals, but our approach will be the same for what is coming, use each game to grow thinking about the Pan American Games.

Captain of Peru, Karla Ortiz: We failed to maintain the good game. We are in a new growth process, and I think we are adapting very well for only two months of work. Peru is a team that is fighting very hard, to achieve good results, for our country and sometimes those cravings in a team with many young girls makes us fail, it is something we have to work on.

Dominican Republic closed unbeaten the Pool A with five straight victories (Cuba, Guatemala, Argentina, Canada and Peru), which gives a cumulative of 19 points and the direct ticket to the semifinals to be played on Saturday the 13th at the Coliseo Gran Chimú in Trujillo.

For its part, Peru must move to the Coliseo Cerrado de Chiclayo, to play on Friday 12 for the classification of the positions 7 to 10.