Dominicans to defend Pan-Am title with thrilling comeback over Cuba

ICA, Peru, September 12, 2014. – Dominican Republic with a thrilling comeback over Cuba (18-25, 23-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12) at the II Women’s U-23 Pan American Cup first semifinal will defend their title at Jose Oliva Razzeto Coliseum.  

Dominican Republic dismantled Cuba’s offensive line keeping the scores tight from the second set further as Cuba jumped to an early lead with defending champions struggling missing to unforced errors and missing serves. Dominicans won the match coming from behind gaining confidence with stronger kills and flawless blocking, making it harder for Cuba to take control again.

Dominicans out-blocked Cuba with spectacular 25-10 advantage, while Cuba held advantage in kills by 61-51 and in aces by 2-0.

Opposite hitter, Gaila Gonzalez led Dominican Republic scorers with 27 points, including 18 kills and 9 blocks, captain Brayelin Martinez tallied 17 points and middle blocker Jineiry Martinez collected 13. For Cuba, young Melissa Vargas scored a match-high of 30 points, all in kills; outside hitter Regla Gracia contributed with 12 points, while Heydy Casanova and Sulian Matienzo added 10 points apiece.

Brayelin Martinez, with joy expressed “we were weak in the first two wets, but the team had a better attitude and we were able to come back to turn things in our favor, I am very proud of my team”.

Brazilian coach Wagner Pacheco for the Dominican squad said “the beginning was rough for us, from the third set forward we began to do better in blocking and receiving; now we need to prepare for tomorrow’s match and try to win the Gold”.

Cuban captain Sulian Matienzo indicated “we dominated early in the match but they gave us hard work with their blocking, we must continue our efforts to improve for our next matches”.

Head coach Juan Carlos Gala of Cuba said that the Dominicans took advantage of Cuba’s weakness “we started dominating but they turned the score around by identifying our faults; we should look for our growth reinforcing our daily practice”.