Dominicans overcome strong Mexican challenge

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, January 10, 2020 – The Dominican Republic overcame a strong challenge from a tough Mexico and went on to take a 3-2 (25-19, 25-17, 21-25, 23-25, 15-5) victory in the second match of the opening day at NORCECA Women’s Qualification Tournament Tokyo 2020.

Brayelin Martinez and Bethania De la Cruz uncorked 26 and 17 points, respectively, as the offensive leaders for the host team. JIneiry Martínez and Prisilla Rivera added 13 and 10 in the victory.

The Dominicans recorded 19 blocks, including seven each by Lisvel Eve and Jineiry Martínez. Each side committed 29 unforced errors.

Samantha Bricio led Mexico with 26 points, followed by Lizbeth Sainz and Andrea Rangel with 17 and 13 points.

Prisilla Rivera, Captain of Dominican Republic: We know we can play better than this but I’d rather prefer the in five sets than the loss. Tomorrow will be another day and I hope we can play up to our real level.

Marcos Kwiek, Coach of the Dominican Republic: I am not glad with the volleyball we played tonight. Fortunately we showed our best game when it counted the most, in the tie-breaker.”

Andrea Rangel, Captain of Mexico: We couldn’t close the sets. We battled hard but came up short.

Gabriela Alarcón, Coach of Mexico: “My team started a little intimidated by the festivities of the opening ceremony but then we got the rhythm a battled hard. It is the first time we can have the top team together. I am glad with our performance tonight.”