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VARNA, Bulgaria, June 18, 2016 - The Dominican Republic emerged
as the first finalist in Group 2 of FIVB Volleyball World Grand
Prix 2016.
In an all-Caribbean semifinal they claimed a 3-1 (21-25, 25-22,
29-27, 25-14) victory over Puerto Rico and will play Poland in
Sunday’s crucial match for promotion to Group 1. Poland defeated
hosts Bulgaria 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-21) in the second
semifinal.
Captain Bethania De La Cruz was the top scorer of the match with
18 points for the winning team. Gina Mambru and Brayelin
Martinez each contributed 15 points while Annerys Vargas added
11 in the victory.
With 14 blocking points, the Dominican Republic completely
outblocked Puerto Rico. That and the many opponents’ errors were
the main contribution to their victory. Martinez and Vargas led
the blockers with 5 points in that department each.
Stephanie Enright with 16 points and Karina Ocasio with 15 were
Puerto Rico's best scorers.
Marcos Kwiek, coach of the Dominican Republic: “It was a very
difficult match. Both teams know each other very well. I
expected a difficult game, but I am very happy for the victory
today.”
Juan Carlos Nunez, coach of Puerto Rico: “In the first set we
had good serving and good blocking, but after that we could not
even score one ace or a good block. Their serving was pressuring
us. We could not perform, we could not play good defense either
and that is why they took the advantage.” |
