Dominicans defeat resilient Colombia in Pan Am Games debut

LIMA, Peru, August 7, 2019. - Dominican Republic defeated a resilient Colombia 3-1 (26-24, 27-25, 22-25, 27-25) in their Lima 2019 Pan American debut on at the Multisport El Callao of Lima, Peru.

Dominicans had a rough time dominating Colombia’s resilient defense and effective kills as the scored were leveled the entire four sets that lasted a little over than two hours (2:06) in the first match of pool A.

Dominican Republic´s considerable 14-8 blocking advantage was the key in beating Colombia as the attacking skills were leveled (58-58). The “Queens of the Caribbean” held a slim 6-5 margin in aces and Colombia committed fewer errors (24-28).

Brayelin Martinez led Dominican Republic with impressive 27 points on 25 kills from 54 attempts; Bethania De La Cruz contributed with 17 points on 15 kills and 2 blocks and middle blocker Jineiry Martinez scored 12 points including 6 stuff blocks. Margarita Martinez with 19 points on 17 kills, one block and one ace topped Colombia, followed by Amanda Caneo with 18 points on 16 kills and 2 aces, and Carabali Valerin added 10 points.

On Thursday, Dominican Republic (1-0) will face Canada while Colombia (0-1) goes against host Peru.

Comments:

Prisilla Rivera, captain of Dominican Republic: “It was an intense match, the cold really hurt us, something all the teams have to deal with but we are coming from hot weather. Colombia played really well and we committed too many errors; if we pretend to move forward we must correct quickly. Now we must think in tomorrow’s performance”.

Alejandra Marin, captain of Colombia: “We were prepared for a hard game, Dominicans were coming in with everything. Colombia did their job, but it wasn’t enough and tomorrow it will be more confident”.

Marcos Kwiek, Head coach of Dominican Republic: “It was intense, hard. We are coming from one day of travel and the temperature change was harsh on us. It’s good to start with a tough and difficult match so the team gets in shape for the next matches. Colombia played really good”.

Antonio Rizola, Head coach of Colombia: “It was a great game. Colombia showed from its first match that they aren’t here to take a walk, they are working, seriously playing. The sets they lost were by two points; we lacked 20 centimeters in height because the disciplined tactic, great defense was good. Now we think of Peru, that’s more important”.