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HAVANA, Cuba, June, 6, 2015 - Dominican Republic is only a short
step away from qualifying to the FIVB World Cup after defeating
Puerto Rico in straight sets (28-26, 25-20, 25-15) in day two of
the NORCECA Women’s Final Four Volleyball Champions Cup.
Their second victory, which lasted only 90 minutes, followed the
triumph attained on Friday when they outplayed Canada in four
sets.
Lisvel Eve Mejia (16) and Prisilla Rivera (11) stood out for the
Dominican side as well as libero Brenda Castillo, with her usual
defensive exploits.
For Puerto Rico, the experienced Aura Cruz (14) and Karina
Ocasio (11) were the main scorers but their work was not enough
to meet the challenge offered by a Dominican side that looked
more united than in their debut.
Brazilian Marcos Kwiek, the Dominican Republic’s coach said:
“Even though we are closer to the ticket we have not booked it
yet. Mathematically it might be a three-way tie. So, tomorrow’s
match against Cuba will be like we are playing our strongest
rivals in the world.”
Prisilla also offered her comments on behalf of the captain,
Bethania De la Cruz, star player whom Marcos has not had the
need to use in court.
“Despite having won 3-0, we knew it was being difficult. We have
always have had very tense matches, but we were confident we
could win,” she said. “It will be quite important playing
against Cuba on Sunday as they have young but good players.”
Puerto Rican coach, José Mieles, admitted that “we did not
follow up the tactical plan. The offense neither was as usual.
Everything was in favour of the Dominicans whose block did work
out. Nevertheless we are preparing to claim victory tomorrow
against Canada when we are called to play our game.”
Their captain, Yarimar Rosa, said they started playing strong,
“but later on our impetus and moral were not the same. We are
disappointed for the playing level we showed today. However we
keep our expectations high about clinching a ticket for
Japan.” |
